The way of Love
(lesson 1 of 2 for week 1)
Read John 15 and also read about Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 25- 27 and notice in Jacob’s story and in Malachi’s words the passionate heart of God’s love for you fulfilled in Christ Jesus.
1
Do “love” and “hate” mean something more than
simple emotions? Can “love” be a decision, an act of the will, as well as a
feeling or an emotion?
2
Read Malachi 1:2-3. How does this passage
describe God’s love?
3
If God loves what is good, how would He respond
to what is evil and destroy His dear creation (Ps. 5:4-5)?
4
Though your sin offends His holiness and
righteousness, His fatherly love constrains His heart. In Holy Baptism He
washes away your sins. He lovingly embraces you as His dear child through
Christ. Though you lie and deceive like Jacob and Rebekah, though you despise
His blessings like Esau, He extends His gracious hand in mercy as if to say,
“Come here, My child, and kiss Me” (Gen. 27:26). He makes you the heir of all
the blessings that belong to His firstborn, Jesus.