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Big Idea: No one else can play your part in God’s plan. Esther 4:4-17 I. God’s plan is usually confusing Esther 4:4-8 Esther’s female servants and her eunuchs came and reported the news to her, and the queen was overcome with fear. She sent clothes for Mordecai to wear so that he would take off his sackcloth, but he did not accept them. Esther summoned Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs who attended her, and dispatched him to Mordecai to learn what he was doing and why. So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the city square in front of the King’s Gate. Mordecai told him everything that had happened as well as the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay the royal treasury for the slaughter of the Jews. Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa ordering their destruction, so that Hathach might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and command her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead with him personally for her people. II. Fear only gets in your way Esther 4:9-12 Hathach came and repeated Mordecai’s response to Esther. Esther spoke to Hathach and commanded him to tell Mordecai, “All the royal officials and the people of the royal provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner courtyard and who has not been summoned—the death penalty—unless the king extends the gold scepter, allowing that person to live. I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the last thirty days.” Esther’s response was reported to Mordecai. III. You are an essential part of God’s plan Esther 4:13-14 Mordecai told the messenger to reply to Esther, “Don’t think that you will escape the fate of all the Jews because you are in the king’s palace. If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s family will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.” IV. You don’t need anything but faith       Esther 4:15-17 Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa and fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my female servants will also fast in the same way. After that, I will go to the king even if it is against the law. If I perish, I perish.” So Mordecai went and did everything Esther had commanded him. Next Steps:  Believe: I’m ready to surrender to God today.Become: I will face my fear with the help of the Holy Spirit.Be Sent: I will carry out God’s plan to reach my city. Discussion Questions:  How have you seen God at work around you this week?What do you believe God’s plan for humanity is?  Do you believe that God has an essential role for you to play in that plan? Explain.Is faithfully carrying out God’s plan always easy or pleasant?  Do you find it intimidating to talk to people about your faith? Explain.Did something confusing happen recently that made you question God’s plan?Pray for God to use you to help someone follow Jesus this week.

Big Idea: When one person suffers, the whole community should feel it.   Esther 4:1-3 I. Who will be the first to plead for God’s mercy?         Esther 4:1 When Mordecai learned all that had occurred, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, went into the middle of the city, and cried loudly and bitterly. II. There’s always tension between society and spirituality.   Esther 4:2 He went only as far as the King’s Gate, since the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering the King’s Gate. III. God hears when the whole community prays.       Esther 4:3 There was great mourning among the Jewish people in every province where the king’s command and edict reached. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. Next Steps:  Believe: I need God’s mercy for my desperate soul today.Become: I will mourn and pray for my community this week.Be Sent: I will push back darkness in my community this week. Discussion Questions:  What is your neighbor’s biggest struggle today?Have you had a spiritual conversation with your neighbor yet?How comfortable are you demonstrating your faith in public? Explain.Do you believe that God expects you to pray for the sins of your community? Explain your answer.What is the best way to show your neighbor that you care about their struggles?Why is it sometimes easier to ignore your neighbor’s pain than to enter into it with them?Pray for your neighbors by name today. 

Big Idea: Why Easter is the greatest thing that (n)ever happened to you.   Easter 2026 I. Hope in your darkest night         Colossians 3:1-4 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. II. Death is a doorway to something better   Romans 8:11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. III. All that’s broken will be fixed       Colossians 1:15-21 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Next Steps:  Believe: I need to experience the resurrection in my heart today.Become: I will face my challenges with hope this week.Be Sent: I will make Jesus famous this week. Discussion Questions:  What is the most meaningful part of your Easter traditions?  Why?What is the last crisis you faced that was too big for you to handle?What are you most looking forward to when Jesus makes all things new?How concerned are you about the environment in the future?What ultimate purpose does our world serve?Who do you most want to see in the afterlife?  Why?Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you live like your resurrection might be tomorrow.

Big Idea: God, where are you!?!?   Esther 3:7-15 I. Nothing is arbitrary for a sovereign God.         Esther 3:7-9 In the first month, the month of Nisan, in King Ahasuerus’s twelfth year, the pur—that is, the lot—was cast before Haman for each day in each month, and it fell on the twelfth month, the month Adar. Then Haman informed King Ahasuerus, “There is one ethnic group, scattered throughout the peoples in every province of your kingdom, keeping themselves separate. Their laws are different from everyone else’s and they do not obey the king’s laws. It is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. If the king approves, let an order be drawn up authorizing their destruction, and I will pay 375 tons of silver to the officials for deposit in the royal treasury.” II. God’s hidden hand moves the king’s hand.   Esther 3:10-11 The king removed his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. Then the king told Haman, “The money and people are given to you to do with as you see fit.” III. God’s plan might seem confusing… at the time.       Esther 3:12-15 The royal scribes were summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month, and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded. It was intended for the royal satraps, the governors of each of the provinces, and the officials of each ethnic group and written for each province in its own script and to each ethnic group in its own language. It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and sealed with the royal signet ring. Letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces telling the officials to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jewish people—young and old, women and children—and plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month. A copy of the text, issued as law throughout every province, was distributed to all the peoples so that they might get ready for that day. The couriers left, spurred on by royal command, and the law was issued in the fortress of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, while the city of Susa was in confusion. Next Steps:  Believe: I trust my future in Jesus’s hands for the first time today.Become: I will live by faith even when it’s scary this week.Be Sent: I will invite someone to hear the Gospel on Easter. Discussion Questions:  How do you reconcile the presence of evil and the belief that God has a good plan for you? Is there a danger in oversimplifying this tension when people are suffering?How does God’s “silence” deepen the mystery of his plan? Where does God seem silent in your life? Can you “know” God is at work in your circumstances even if you can’t see any results at the moment?How would you respond to someone who claims the events of your life are just coincidences?Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you hold on to faith even if God seems distant this week. 

Big Idea: The battle is real—keep these three weapons ready.   Esther 3:1-6 I. Don’t let power go to your head         Esther 3:1-2 After all this took place, King Ahasuerus honored Haman, son of Hammedatha the Agagite. He promoted him in rank and gave him a higher position than all the other officials. The entire royal staff at the King’s Gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, because the king had commanded this to be done for him. But Mordecai would not bow down or pay homage. II. Don’t let pressure guide your hands   Esther 3:3-4 The members of the royal staff at the King’s Gate asked Mordecai, “Why are you disobeying the king’s command?” When they had warned him day after day and he still would not listen to them, they told Haman in order to see if Mordecai’s actions would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew. III. Don’t let pride go to your heart       Esther 3:5-6 When Haman saw that Mordecai was not bowing down or paying him homage, he was filled with rage. And when he learned of Mordecai’s ethnic identity, it seemed repugnant to Haman to do away with Mordecai alone. He planned to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout Ahasuerus’s kingdom. Next Steps:  Believe: Today, I totally surrender to King Jesus.Become: I will keep my weapons ready this week.Be Sent: I will fight for my neighbor’s soul this week. Discussion Questions:  When was the last spiritual battle that you fought?  Explain.What practical thing did you do with your hands last week to build Jesus’s Kingdom?How do you evaluate your thoughts to make sure they honor Jesus and reflect Scripture?Do negative thoughts or doubts make God angry with you?  Explain your answer using Scripture. How can you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you without succumbing to evil?Who points out pride in your life?Pray for the Holy Spirit to use you to invite someone to view or visit with you this Easter.

Big Idea: Your biggest tool is simple, steady faithfulness in God’s hands. Esther 2:19-23 I. Esther is faithful to her promise.  Esther 2:19-20 When the virgins were gathered a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the King’s Gate. Esther still did not reveal her family background or her ethnicity, as Mordecai had directed. She obeyed Mordecai’s orders, as she always had while he raised her. II. Mordecai is faithful to his king.      Esther 2:21-23 During those days while Mordecai was sitting at the King’s Gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who guarded the entrance, became infuriated and planned to assassinate King Ahasuerus. When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, and she told the king on Mordecai’s behalf. When the report was investigated and verified, both men were hanged on the gallows. This event was recorded in the Historical Record in the king’s presence. Next Steps:Believe: Today, I turn over the little and big stuff of my life to King Jesus.Become: I will make a big deal of the small things this week.Be Sent: I will ask God to show me who to invite this Easter. Discussion Questions: How have you experienced unseen acts of God's faithfulness in your life?Do you wrestle with small issues of faithfulness in a big way?  If so, explain.What is one small act of faithfulness you can commit to this week that could contribute to God's overarching plan?How can we support one another in remaining vigilant and purposeful in our roles and responsibilities?How can you live vigilantly like Mordecai today?What are some ways we can act with integrity in everyday situations, knowing God is watching?Pray for God to use our simple faithfulness to touch someone far from Jesus this week.

Big Idea: All faith must be active and courageous. 2 Samuel 23:20-23 1. Be ready for all circumstances 2 Samuel 23:20a There was also Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant warrior from Kabzeel. He performed many heroic deeds, which included killing two champions of Moab. 2. Be willing to confront your fears 2 Samuel 23:20b-21 Another time on a snowy day, he chased a lion down into a pit and killed it. Once armed only with a club, he killed an imposing Egyptian warrior who was armed with a spear. Benaiah wrenched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with it. 3. Be an agent of change 2 Samuel 23:22-23 Deeds like these made Benaiah as famous as the three mightiest warriors. He was more honored than the other members of the 30. And though he was not one of the three, look at this, and David made him a captain of his bodyguard. Next Steps: Believe: I need to believe in Jesus today.Become: I need to live with courageous faith this week.Be Sent: I will go deep with one person this week.

Big Idea: Even with shaking knees, step boldly into your destiny. Esther 2:15-18 I. Chosen by character  Esther 2:15 Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai who had adopted her as his own daughter. When her turn came to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s eunuch, keeper of the women, suggested. Esther gained favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her. II. Crowned by God      Esther 2:16-17 She was taken to King Ahasuerus in the palace in the tenth month, the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. The king loved Esther more than all the other women. She won more favor and approval from him than did any of the other virgins. He placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti. III. Celebrated by all   Esther 2:18 The king held a great banquet for all his officials and staff. It was Esther’s banquet. He freed his provinces from tax payments and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty. Next Steps:Believe: I believe God has chosen me for salvation today.Become: I will work on my character this week.Be Sent: I will pass on God’s blessing to someone in need this week. Discussion Questions: How can you distinguish between circumstances and the hand of God in your life?What area of your character is most like Christ?What area still needs some work?When did God last do something great in your life that might look like a coincidence?  Explain.How can you embrace your God-given destiny this week?Name someone who needs to hear about Jesus this Easter.Pray for God to use you to serve someone in need this week.

Big Idea: God is even working in the small stuff! Esther 2:1-14 I. Better to choose wisely than regret badly.  Esther 2:1-4 Some time later, when King Ahasuerus’s rage had cooled down, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what was decided against her. The king’s personal attendants suggested, “Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king. Let the king appoint commissioners in each province of his kingdom, so that they may gather all the beautiful young virgins to the harem at the fortress of Susa. Put them under the supervision of Hegai, the king’s eunuch, keeper of the women, and give them the required beauty treatments. Then the young woman who pleases the king will become queen instead of Vashti.” This suggestion pleased the king, and he did accordingly. II. God can construct an epic story from your worst moments. Esther 2:5-7 In the fortress of Susa, there was a Jewish man named Mordecai son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite. Kish had been taken into exile from Jerusalem with the other captives when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took King Jeconiah of Judah into exile. Mordecai was the legal guardian of his cousin Hadassah (that is, Esther), because she had no father or mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was extremely good-looking. When her father and mother died, Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. III. Find God’s favor in any circumstance.  Esther 2:8-9 When the king’s command and edict became public knowledge and when many young women were gathered at the fortress of Susa under Hegai’s supervision, Esther was taken to the palace, into the supervision of Hegai, keeper of the women. The young woman pleased him and gained his favor so that he accelerated the process of the beauty treatments and the special diet that she received. He assigned seven hand-picked female servants to her from the palace and transferred her and her servants to the harem’s best quarters. IV. Borrow wisdom carefully, and share it generously.    Esther 2:10-14 Esther did not reveal her ethnicity or her family background, because Mordecai had ordered her not to make them known. Every day Mordecai took a walk in front of the harem’s courtyard to learn how Esther was doing and to see what was happening to her. During the year before each young woman’s turn to go to King Ahasuerus, the harem regulation required her to receive beauty treatments with oil of myrrh for six months and then with perfumes and cosmetics for another six months. When the young woman would go to the king, she was given whatever she requested to take with her from the harem to the palace. She would go in the evening, and in the morning she would return to a second harem under the supervision of the king’s eunuch Shaashgaz, keeper of the concubines. She never went to the king again, unless he desired her and summoned her by name. Next Steps:  Believe: I, Jesus, to do his biggest miracle in my soul today.Become: I will trust God with the small stuff this week. Be Sent: I will minister to someone far from Jesus this week. Growth Group Questions:  What was the last bad decision you made? What were the consequences?What role did prayer play in your schedule last week?What are some practical examples of God’s favor in your past?  Did you notice them at the time?How do you decide to follow someone’s advice?How quickly do you notice God at work in your worst moments? How easy is it to see God at work in the ordinary moments of your life?Pray for someone by name who is far from Jesus right now.

Big Idea: It takes a strong center to stand tall under pressure from every side. Esther 1:10-22 I. The Queen takes a stand for purity Esther 1:10-12 On the seventh day, when the king was feeling good from the wine, Ahasuerus commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carkas—the seven eunuchs who personally served him—to bring Queen Vashti before him with her royal crown. He wanted to show off her beauty to the people and the officials, because she was very beautiful. But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command that was delivered by his eunuchs. The king became furious and his anger burned within him. II. The King’s feelings get hurt    Esther 1:13-15 The king consulted the wise men who understood the times, for it was his normal procedure to confer with experts in law and justice. The most trusted ones were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan. They were the seven officials of Persia and Media who had personal access to the king and occupied the highest positions in the kingdom. The king asked, “According to the law, what should be done with Queen Vashti, since she refused to obey King Ahasuerus’s command that was delivered by the eunuchs?” III. The bad advice born out of selfish fear  Esther 1:16-18 Memucan said in the presence of the king and his officials, “Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king, but all the officials and the peoples who are in every one of King Ahasuerus’s provinces. For the queen’s action will become public knowledge to all the women and cause them to despise their husbands and say, ‘King Ahasuerus ordered Queen Vashti brought before him, but she did not come.’ Before this day is over, the noble women of Persia and Media who hear about the queen’s act will say the same thing to all the king’s officials, resulting in more contempt and fury. IV. The law takes center stage     Esther 1:19-22 “If it meets the king’s approval, he should personally issue a royal decree. Let it be recorded in the laws of the Persians and the Medes, so that it cannot be revoked: Vashti is not to enter King Ahasuerus’s presence, and her royal position is to be given to another woman who is more worthy than she. The decree the king issues will be heard throughout his vast kingdom, so all women will honor their husbands, from the greatest to the least.” The king and his counselors approved the proposal, and he followed Memucan’s advice. He sent letters to all the royal provinces, to each province in its own script and to each ethnic group in its own language, that every man should be master of his own house and speak in the language of his own people. Next Steps:  Believe: Today, I surrender to the real King of my soul.Become: Today, I will trust God’s hand even when it’s scary.Be Sent: I will take a stand against evil this week. Growth Group Questions:  What pressure were you under last week? How well did you stand up to it?Do you ever feel punished for doing the right thing in God’s sight?How do you respond when doing what the culture expects of you violates what God expects of you?Who in our society pressures women, like in Vashti’s day?How can you support someone who is currently under a lot of peer pressure?How can the people in this group help you find the courage to stand strong when under pressure to compromise your faith?Pray for the Holy Spirit to give us the strength to stand against evil this week.

Big Idea: An unseen hand moves the queen. Esther 1:1-9 I. God sets rules of the game Esther 1:1-3 These events took place during the days of Ahasuerus, who ruled 127 provinces from India to Cush. In those days King Ahasuerus reigned from his royal throne in the fortress at Susa. He held a feast in the third year of his reign for all his officials and staff, the army of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the officials from the provinces. II. The board is set   Esther 1:4-5 He displayed the glorious wealth of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness for a total of 180 days. At the end of this time, the king held a week-long banquet in the garden courtyard of the royal palace for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were present in the fortress of Susa. III. The King makes the first move    Esther 1:6-9 White and blue linen hangings were fastened with fine white and purple linen cords to silver rods on marble columns. Gold and silver couches were arranged on a mosaic pavement of red feldspar, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones. Drinks were served in an array of gold goblets, each with a different design. Royal wine flowed freely, according to the king’s bounty. The drinking was according to royal decree: “There are no restrictions.” The king had ordered every wine steward in his household to serve whatever each person wanted. Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women of King Ahasuerus’s palace. Next Steps:  Believe: Today, I surrender my soul to King Jesus.Become: Today, I will stop fighting against the hand of God.Be Sent: This week, I will demonstrate my peace in God’s plan. Growth Group Questions:  On a scale of 1-10, how well did you trust God’s invisible hand last week?How can you recognize God's sovereignty in the small events of your daily life?How often do you turn to Jesus first during times of uncertainty?How can we maintain faith in God's sovereignty during challenging life situationsHow do you see God's hand in unexpected people or situations in your own life?How does your faith cause you to stand up for what is right, even when it's difficult?Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you trust that God is at work around you, even when you don’t see it.

Write this down: Experience is a powerful teacher… and preacher! Psalm 107:1-3 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord proclaim that he has redeemed them from the power of the foe and has gathered them from the lands— from the east and the west, from the north and the south. 1. Name the pain 2. Don’t get stuck in it  3. Where did Jesus show up 4. Teach others what you’ve learned the hard way 5. Make it part of your story, but don’t let it define you Next Steps:  Believe: I need Jesus to give me new life today.Become: I will let Jesus use my pain for his Glory. Be Sent: I will share my story this week. Discussion Questions:  How did Jesus show up in a painful moment of your past?Is God still loving, even if he doesn’t “redeem you from the power of the foe”? Explain your answer. Is God able to use your little moments of pain just as much as the big ones?What is a daily practice that helps cultivate gratitude in the middle of pain?How can sharing a painful part of your past help heal your community?What is one specific way you can encourage someone who is going through pain this week?Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you make an impact on one person’s life this week.

Write this down: Pick one: Greed or God, because you can’t have both. Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. 1. Your money is on loan 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to you. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and you are exalted as head over all. Riches and honor come from you, and you are the ruler of everything. Power and might are in your hand, and it is in your hand to make great and to give strength to all.  2. Your money won’t last Psalm 49:16-17 Do not be afraid when a person gets rich, when the wealth of his house increases. For when he dies, he will take nothing at all; his wealth will not follow him down. 3. Your money is a big lie Proverbs 11:28 Anyone trusting in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage. Next Steps:  Believe: I need Jesus to change my heart today.Become: I surrender all my income to Jesus. Be Sent: I will serve someone far from Jesus this week. Discussion Questions:  How would you describe having “enough” money?What are some practical signs that money has moved from being a tool you use to a master you serve?If “your money is on loan” from God, how should that change the way you budget, spend, give, and save this week?How does a focus on eternity weaken the pull of greed in everyday decisions?In what ways does greed lie to us about safety, identity, or success—and how can we replace those lies with God’s promises?Greed is ultimately a heart issue. What specific prayers or spiritual habits (fasting, generosity, confession, serving) can help the Holy Spirit break greed’s power in your life?Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you to surrender this area of your life to Jesus this week.

Write this down: Cults demand — Christians demonstrate. Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. 1. You are always influencing Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another. 2. Be intentional about influencing Colossians 4:5 Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. 3. Use your influence as a gift to God. 1 Peter 2:12 Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day he visits. 4. Your life gets better as your influence gets bigger. Philippians 2:14-16 Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world, by holding firm to the word of life. Next Steps:  Believe: I need Jesus to change my heart for the first time today.Become: I want the Holy Spirit to influence my soul this week. Be Sent: I will use my influence for God’s glory this week.  Discussion Questions:  What’s the difference between influencing someone and manipulating them, and where do you personally draw the line?When is it appropriate to try to change someone’s mind, and when is it better to step back?How does trust shape your ability to influence another person?Describe a time when someone influenced you positively. What made their approach effective?Is it acceptable to use your influence at work to challenge someone’s faith?What responsibilities do you have to God when trying to influence someone’s decisions or beliefs?Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you influence one person this week.  

Write this down: Real love is a boomerang: the more you send, the more returns. 1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us. 1. Love is a gift 2. Love is an undeserved gift 3. Love is a holy gift 4. Love is a reciprocal gift Next Steps:  Believe: I need to experience God’s love for the first time today.Become: I need more of God’s love in my life this week. Be Sent: I will give away God’s love this week. Discussion Questions:  Who in your life is most deserving of your love?Describe what makes someone deserving of your love?If someone deserves it, is it really love?Can you say you love God if you don’t love people the way God loves them?Is God’s love different than human love?  Explain your answer.What holds you back from loving people like Jesus loves them?Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you love like Christ this week.