Just because we are changing doesn’t mean we are growing. Lots of things change us, but only the love of God grows us.
 This past Sunday, we closed out our How To Grow series by looking at how God’s love is the only thing that sustains our growth through every season, even when on the surface, things look tough. Below you’ll find next steps for acting on what God is speaking, including our Scripture passages, discussion questions for City Groups and community, and links to the podcast. Check them out!
Scripture Passages
Ephesians 3:16-19 VOICE, 1 John 4:10-21 NIV
Podcast Links
Itunes, Podcasts.com
Community Questions
Jesus is growing our faith in a way that sustains us through every season. Pete Scazzero describes the seasons of our life as Spring (fruitfulness), Summer (abundance), Fall (transitions), and Winter (Death). Which one of these seasons best describes where you are in your journey right now?
Lots of events and emotions – both good and bad – can motivate change in our lives. Fear, guilt, and shame are particularly powerful. When you look at the changes you’ve made or are making in your own life, what do you sense as the primary motivator? Was it fear? Guilt? Shame? Or is it love?Â
Fear, guilt, and shame can change us, but only love can grow us. Just because we are changing doesn’t mean we are growing. How would you describe the difference between merely changing and growing?
Put In Practice
Write out 1 John 4:16-18 and put it where you’ll see it every day. Remind yourself daily that God is love, and his love for you is an everlasting love. Start each day in faith – even if you don’t feel it – reminding your heart that you are passionately loved by God.