Adults

Posts Tagged love

Sep
8
L Leader , Susan Hill

What Does It Mean to Love One Another Well?

By Susan Hill

We know that LIFE Groups come in all shapes and sizes but share a common function. One of the core values of a LIFE Group is to Love One Another. The “L” function serves to support, serve, comfort and provide pastoral care to the body of Christ in times of need.
As Christ followers, love should be our defining characteristic. Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: love one another. As I loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
In a strong biblical community, there will be plenty of opportunities to both extend and receive love. Loving one another means offering support, comfort, and help in times of need. LIFE Groups are meant to build relationships in which group members truly experience life together.
On a practical level this might mean participating in times of celebration such as weddings, births, anniversaries, and milestone events. Loving each other well means we will also be present in times of adversity such as illness, loss of a loved one, and other types of struggles.
Paul wrote in Romans 12:15 we are to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
So, what are practical ways your LIFE Group shows love to one another?

  • Pray for each other. In seasons of struggle, it is especially important that people are praying for you.
  • Meet tangible needs. This might mean delivering a meal to a sick group member or calling to check in with them. If there is a need too large for the LIFE Group to meet, then you will want to communicate that to church staff.
  • Call, text, and send cards to group members who are going through difficult seasons.

 
When Jesus was asked what the most important command was, he said in Mark 12:30-31, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these.”
Let’s do everything we can to make sure we are loving people well in biblical community.

Jun
25
L Leader , Susan Hill , Uncategorized

3 Ways to Minister to a Group Member Who Is Hurting

By Susan Hill

In LIFE Groups, there will be times when group members are faced with difficult circumstances. It might be the death of a loved one, a hospitalization or illness, job loss, or a variety of other issues that cause the group member to be in a season of high stress.
During these times, it is especially important to be supported in biblical community. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
So how does a LIFE Group respond when a group member is in a difficult season?
 

  1. It’s important to reach out to the group member so he or she doesn’t feel alone. A simple phone call goes a long way in ministering to a person in need. In seasons of struggle, it’s common to feel isolated so reaching out is a great first step.
  2. It’s a good idea to see if there is a tangible need your group can provide. Would it be helpful if someone delivered a meal? Does the group member need a ride or help around the house? Would the group member appreciate visitors? It’s beneficial to access the situation and then decide how the group can minister most effectively.
  3. Be sure to cover the group member in prayer. In times of distress, it is important for the group member to know that their friends in biblical community are praying. Consider sending a card, text, email, or giving them a call to let them know you are praying.

 
In a LIFE Group community, it’s essential that we love each other well. For the group to run smoothly and to be sure everyone’s needs are met, it’s best to delegate these types of needs to an “L” Leader. The “L” function of the LIFE Group represents “Loving One Another” and it’s an important aspect of all good LIFE Groups. No one likes to go through seasons of distress but, when the body of Christ responds in a loving way, these times are more bearable and can even be seasons of spiritual growth.