Why Life Groups, pt. 5

It kindles loving relationships
Love is a defining mark in the life of a believer. Jesus said to his disciples near the end of his life:

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you…You are my friends, if you do what I command you” (Jn. 15:12, 14).

Love has been placed within the heart of every believer (Rom. 5:5; 1Jn. 4:7) by the work of the Holy Spirit and it is to be shared with others. Life Groups give opportunity for the love of God to be manifested because the hurts, pains, fears, and needs of others only become evident in these close relationships. I have seen weeks of meals collected for the families of newborns, hundreds of dollars collected for a member in need, cars fixed, houses painted or repaired, and children of other families watched and cared for over long periods of time while the parents are away or hospitalized. These extraordinary acts of love are in addition to the weekly demonstrations of love through listening, praying, and encouraging.