Welcome to this study of love through the example of Jesus Christ. The BibleACTS Growth Point Devotionals are designed to guide you in renewing your mind and strengthening your character to make you more Christlike. This volume focuses on love, a cornerstone of Christian living that encompasses sacrifice, relationship, and the courage to show both tenderness and truth.
In this study, you will journey through the Gospel of John, discovering the depth of Jesus’ love in all its dimensions. From His tender care for His disciples to His bold and sometimes challenging words of truth, you’ll see how Jesus modeled love that was both compassionate and corrective. You’ll uncover how His acts of sacrifice and His relationships demonstrated love as an action.
By reflecting on Jesus’ example, you’ll discover practical ways to cultivate love in your own life. This devotional will challenge you to:
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Recognize and address barriers such as pride, selfishness, and fear that hinder your ability to love others fully.
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Embrace sacrificial love that prioritizes the well-being of others, even when it costs you personally.
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Practice “tough love,” speaking truth and taking actions that may be difficult but are ultimately for the good of those you care about.
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Balance tenderness and truth in your relationships, ensuring your words and actions reflect Christlike love.
How to Use This Devotional / Study Bible
To get the most from this study, consider the following:
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Daily Reading: Aim to read one or two chapters per day. Spend time in both the Scripture text and the commentary provided, reflecting deeply on Jesus’ example of love.
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Meditate on Key Lessons: As you read, pause to consider how Jesus demonstrated love through actions, words, and relationships. Reflect on how His example applies to your own connections with family, friends, and even those who challenge you.
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Take Notes: Keep a journal to record your insights, thoughts, and prayers. Write down additional lessons revealed to you as you read. This will deepen your understanding and application of what you’ve learned.
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Pray for Growth: Begin each session with prayer, asking God to teach you and transform your heart to reflect the love of Christ.
The Promise of Growth / Defining Love in Action
This study isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about transformation. As you engage consistently with these devotionals, God will renew your mind (Romans 12:2), shaping your heart to love others as Jesus did. You’ll discover that love is not merely an emotion but a way of life expressed through both compassion and courage.
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Love as Sacrifice: Jesus’ life exemplifies selflessness, prioritizing the needs of others even at great personal cost. Love often requires laying aside comfort or convenience for the sake of another.
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Love as Truth: Sometimes love requires challenging words or actions that may feel uncomfortable but are ultimately beneficial. Jesus’ loving rebukes and bold teachings show us how to speak and act with integrity while remaining rooted in compassion.
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Love as Relationship: Genuine love fosters connection, whether through acts of service, kind words, or simply being present. Jesus demonstrated this through His intimate relationships with His disciples and His care for the marginalized.
As you read, pay close attention to how Jesus balanced tenderness with boldness, always rooted in love. His example will inspire you to embody love that builds, heals, and challenges—leading to lasting transformation in your life and the lives of those around you.
Let the love of Christ—gentle, sacrificial, and courageous—guide you as you embark on this study. This is your invitation to love boldly and live with purpose.