Since God So Loved Us {new month-long study}

I remember having conversations with a good high school friend about the difference between a believer and a person with “good character.” At the time, I wasn’t a believer myself, though I was searching (and this particular conversation was a key point for me, thanks in part to my amazing, God-following friend).

He made the comment that a person with “good character” still exhibits good choices, good intentions, but the main difference is the why behind all of those actions and thoughts.

Why the “Why” Matters

The why recenters our hearts and minds.

The why helps us persevere.

The why opens our opportunities to serve all people.

The why of God’s love also leads to the what of living as a believer.

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” – 1 John 4:11 (NIV)

Studying the “Why”

One of my favorite chapters in the New Testament is (and has been for a long time) 1 John 4. It’s all about the why and the what of living in God’s love.

This month, we’ll read through 1 John 4 together, study each verse, and surround ourselves with the truth of God’s love and how that changes us.

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” – 1 John 4:9-10 (NIV)

We’d love to study this together with you and grow together in God’s love.

Want some extra study until the next post?

1. Read through 1 John 4 twice between now and Ali’s post later this week.
2. Write down three verses that stand out to you about the why and the what of God’s love.
3. Write down two or three questions you have. Share them in the comments below! We’d love to study and search with you on those questions during this month.