Remaining in God’s love keeps us grounded and helps us reflect His love to others. But what does it truly mean to abide in His love? How can we make sure that we remain in Him daily, despite distractions and challenges? What happens when we fail to remain in His love?

Scripture

1 John 4:16 ESV
"So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him."

Bible Study Questions

What does "God is love" mean?

God’s very nature is love, and everything He does flows from it. How do we personally experience and reflect this love?

John 15:9 ESV
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love."

Romans 5:8 ESV
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Remaining in God’s love

What does it mean to remain in His love every day? How can we ensure that our relationship with God is not just an occasional experience but a constant, growing connection?

John 15:10 ESV
"If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love."

Jude 1:21 ESV
"Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life."

Distractions that pull us away

What are some things that keep us from remaining in God’s love? How can we guard against them?

Mark 4:18-19 ESV
"And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, [19] but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful."

Colossians 3:2 ESV
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

How does knowing God loves you change your actions?

When we are fully convinced of God’s love for us, how does it affect the way we live, treat others, and respond to challenges?

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 ESV
"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; [15] and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."

Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. [2] And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Loving others as God loves us

What does it look like to love others as God has loved us? Are there ways we can be more intentional in showing His love?

John 13:34-35 ESV
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. [35] By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

1 Peter 4:8 ESV
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."

What Can We Do?

God’s Word reminds us to remain in His love by obeying His commands, staying connected to Him through prayer and Scripture, and loving others selflessly. How can we take practical steps this week to grow in His love?

Psalms 86:11 ESV
"Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name."

1 John 4:17-18 ESV
"By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. [18] There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear."

Prayer for Loving God and Others

Father, I come before You today, asking for Your help to love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. May my love for You be the foundation of everything I do, and may it guide my thoughts, actions, and relationships. Teach me to love You wholeheartedly, as You have commanded, with all that I am.

Lord, help me to love others as I love myself. Open my eyes to see the needs around me and give me the compassion, kindness, and patience to show love in practical ways. Teach me to reflect Your love in all my interactions, and help me to serve others just as Jesus served us. When it’s difficult to love, remind me of Your grace, and give me the strength to love even those I struggle with.

God, give me wisdom and courage to show love in tangible ways, especially when it’s challenging. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me and to remove any bitterness or unforgiveness in my heart. May I love without conditions, just as You have loved me.

Empower me through Your Holy Spirit to love others the way Jesus loved—sacrificially and unconditionally. Let my life be a reflection of Your love, so that others may know that I am Your disciple. Help me to love boldly and selflessly, just as You have shown me through the example of Jesus.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.