Notes
But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
1 John 4:8
Our culture and language has cheapened the word “love” a bit. We use the same word for expressing our love for different foods, people, and God. But true love is defined by God, not by our own desires or emotions. If we reverse this idea—believing “love is God” instead of “God is love”—we risk justifying actions that may not align with His truth. God’s love calls us to holiness, not just happiness. His original plan for humanity never included pain, sorrow, or death—sin brought those things into the world.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love requires action. God calls us to embody this love—to bring healing and hope rather than brokenness and hate.
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6
Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”
Mark 1:17
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow” me.
John 1:43
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.
Matthew 9:9
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.
1 John 4:18
Love isn’t passive—it calls us out of our comfort zones. Those who followed Jesus left behind familiarity and security because they recognized something greater in Him.
About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water. ” “Yes,” come, Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
Matthew 14:25-36
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
Despite his fear, Peter wanted to be where Jesus was. The miracle wasn’t in the safety of the boat but in stepping onto the water. Even when Peter faltered, Jesus immediately reached out to save him. That instant rescue wouldn’t have been possible if Peter had stayed in the boat. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. Jesus desires to bring us to where He is, making Him our everything. Love isn’t just a word or a fleeting feeling—it’s the very nature of God. And His love calls us higher, out of comfort and into holiness. Will you step out of the boat and trust Him fully?
Group Questions
- Which of the 1 Corinthians 13 descriptions of love do you find the easiest to live out? Which are the hardest?
- Peter stepped out of the boat because he wanted to be where Jesus was. What is something Jesus might be calling you to step out in faith for?
- How can we practically reflect God’s love to others this week?
Prayer
Thank you for showing us what true love is. Help us to love others the way You love us—with patience, kindness, and truth. Give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones and follow You wholeheartedly and make your love the foundation of our lives.