1.Look at what the above cited inspired words say about how we stand before the Father through Jesus: “He will clothe you with the white robe of His righteousness—of His character—and present you to His Father.” No matter how discouraged we may sometimes be by our faults and inadequacies or how often we fail to reflect the kind of love God pours out on us to others—why must we continually return to the wonderful message that we are accepted by the Father because Jesus presents us to the Father with the white robe of His own character?

The wonderful message that we are accepted by the Father because Jesus presents us with the white robe of His own character is a fundamental comfort and source of hope, especially in times when we feel discouraged by our own faults and inadequacies. It reminds us that our value and acceptance before God do not depend on our own achievements or what we have done, but on the perfect sacrifice and righteousness that Jesus has attained for us.

The white robe given to us by Jesus symbolizes His flawless righteousness and purity, which we could never fully achieve in our own lives. However, because He presents us to the Father in His character, we are accepted forever—not based on our own perfection but on the perfection of Christ. This message is a constant encouragement not to sink into self-criticism but to continually trust in God’s forgiveness and acceptance through Jesus Christ.

By being aware that we are reconciled to God through Jesus’ sacrifice, we can view our faults and shortcomings in a different light. Instead of being discouraged by them, we remember that God has already accepted us as His children. This truth should motivate us to keep rising, place our trust in Jesus, and strive to reflect His example of love and grace in our lives.

2.Imagine how the mother in the case of the two women who came to Solomon and claimed the same baby must have felt. Re-examine the emotionally charged language used in 1 Kings 3:26. What light does this shed on the same kind of language used in Hosea 11:8 to describe God’s feelings for His people?

In 1 Kings 3:26, we read about the mother who is willing to sacrifice her child to save it from the violence of the other woman. When the wise King Solomon suggested splitting the baby, the true mother was overwhelmed by deep, instinctive compassion. The biblical language describes her reaction with the emotion “My heart roared,” indicating an extremely strong, intimate, and almost painful love. Her love was so deep that she was willing to let the other woman have the child instead of losing her own— a love characterized by parental dedication and a strong emotional impulse to secure her child’s well-being.

This powerful, emotionally charged language helps us understand the intensity of God’s feelings in Hosea 11:8, where God describes how His heart “roared” for His people who had turned away from Him. God portrays Himself like a loving father whose deepest inner self cries out for His people. The language of “burning compassion” in Hosea illustrates how much He longs for His people’s return. It portrays a love that not only considers the people’s faults and weaknesses but also a strong desire to forgive and heal them. God’s love is tireless and deep, even when confronted with pain and sorrow.

Both scenes—the mother before Solomon and the one in Hosea—give us insight into the emotional intensity of love and compassion. They show us how deep and passionate true love can be, both on a human and divine level. In both cases, we experience a love that is expressed not only in words but in deep, palpable emotions. Therefore, God’s love for His people is not just rational or abstract but filled with intense, maternal care and longing for the return and healing of His children.

3.In the Gospels, we have seen that Jesus was often moved by the needs of people. And what did He do? He acted in a way that addressed the needs of the people. What practical ways do you have as an individual or perhaps even as a discussion group to address the needs of those who need comfort?

The practice of compassion and neighborly love, as demonstrated in the Gospels through Jesus’ actions, calls us to not only have pity for those in need but also to actively act to alleviate their needs. Jesus showed us that true love and compassion are expressed through actions, not just words. Here are some practical ways we can address the needs of those who need comfort as individuals or as a discussion group:

1. Listening and Showing Understanding: One of the simplest yet most profound ways to offer comfort is to simply listen. Sometimes people just need someone to hear their worries without immediately offering a solution. Having an open ear and showing understanding can be incredibly healing.

2. Prayer and Spiritual Support: As Christians, we believe in the power of prayer. Praying for someone who needs comfort can be a great help and a sign of support. Prayer can be done together in a group or in a personal moment of prayer.

3. Offering Practical Help: Comforting someone involves not only emotional support but also practical assistance. This can include helping someone with household chores, bringing food, or even just taking a walk with someone who feels lonely.

4. Sharing Encouraging Words and Biblical Truths: The Bible offers many comforting words that can provide great solace in times of need. Sharing an encouraging scripture or a personal testimony of God’s faithfulness can help someone maintain their faith.

5. Community and Regular Contact: People who need comfort often feel isolated. As a group or individual, we can regularly reach out, whether through visits, calls, or messages. Continuous presence and a sense of community are often key to helping people feel less alone.

6. Volunteering and Social Projects: An organized way to help those in need is to participate in volunteering or social projects. This could be in a local soup kitchen, a homeless shelter, or a nursing home. Together as a group, we can engage in this service and carry God’s love into the world.

7. Creative Expressions: In a discussion group, creative methods can also be used to offer comfort, such as writing encouragement letters, creating artworks, or singing soothing songs. These forms of expression can provide a new perspective and support to those who need comfort.

Through these practical means, we can address the needs of those who need comfort and thereby share God’s love and compassion in our daily lives. Just as Jesus was moved by people’s needs and acted accordingly, we are also called to not just watch but actively act in love.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-god-is-passionate-and-compassionate-4-7-questions-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

4.6 Summary
The Depth of Divine Love

Lesson 4 shows us how deep God’s love and care for people are. Through various biblical passages, God’s compassion and mercy become evident, especially in His affection for those who are often in distress. In Psalm 103:13, Isaiah 49:15, and Jeremiah 31:20, God’s compassion is compared to a mother’s love for her child—a love that never fails, even when people turn away from God. These comparisons illustrate that God’s compassion goes far beyond human understanding and is a love that is unwavering and unconditional.

Jesus is described as the perfect example of God’s compassion. In the Gospels, we see how Jesus felt pity for people and was not only moved by their needs but also acted to heal and comfort them. This compassion, paired with God’s passion, shows us the importance of reflecting these qualities in our own lives.

The lesson challenges us to not only receive God’s love but also actively show compassion to others. This requires the “death of the self” by overcoming our selfishness and committing ourselves to the well-being of others. Only through the Holy Spirit can we bring this love to life in our lives. To grow in this love, we must dedicate ourselves to God, deny ourselves, and place the needs of others above our own. In doing so, we become living witnesses of God’s compassionate and merciful love.

The connection between our daily lives and faith regarding God’s deep love and mercy is found in the practical application of biblical teachings. God’s compassion and mercy are not just abstract concepts but are meant to be actively experienced and made visible in our relationships with others. This divine love, described to us in Psalm 103:13, Isaiah 49:15, and Jeremiah 31:20, calls us to practice the same unconditional and unwavering love in our daily lives—especially in moments when people are in need or turn away from us.

In everyday life, this means taking Jesus as our model and showing compassion to those in need through actions such as small acts of kindness, listening, helping in difficult times, or showing understanding toward those who have wronged us. Jesus’ compassion, repeatedly emphasized in the Gospels, is not only an example for us but also a call to actively live out this compassion. We are to not only respond to others’ needs but also take concrete actions to heal, comfort, and support them.

The lesson calls for a profound change within us—the “death of the self.” In a world often marked by self-centeredness and selfishness, it is an act of dedication to set aside our own will for the sake of others’ needs. Only through the Holy Spirit can we live this selfless love and allow God to transform us, enabling us to grow more into the same love He shows us.

In our faith life, this change means placing our lives and decisions under God’s guidance, prioritizing the desire to love and serve others, and actively working on our relationship with God and our fellow human beings. Thus, God’s love becomes alive in our daily lives, and we become instruments of His mercy and care for the world.

God’s unwavering love calls us to reflect this love actively in our lives by serving others with compassion, selflessness, and dedication.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-god-is-passionate-and-compassionate-4-6-summary-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

4.5 Compassion and Passionate
God’s Love as a Model for Our Lives

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4–8. In what ways does this passage instruct us to reflect God’s merciful and amazing love in our relationships with others?

The passage from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 describes the love that God shows us—a love that is patient, kind, selfless, and unwavering. This love is not merely an emotional level but a profound attitude of the heart that should be expressed in our behavior and relationships with others. However, the challenge lies in the fact that this type of love is often difficult to achieve in our natural state. We cannot simply force ourselves to be patient, kind, and selfless—these qualities are the fruit of the Holy Spirit working within us.

God’s love is the perfect balance between emotion and justice. It is passionate and compassionate, yet completely just. This love is presented in the Bible as the highest model for how we should conduct ourselves in our relationships with others. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, we find a precise description of the ideal Christian love, which is not jealous, not proud, and never-ending. If we want to reflect this love, we must trust in the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to love in this manner.

A first step in practically implementing this love is the worship of God, who is the embodiment of love itself. When we regularly align ourselves with God’s love, we recognize how much we depend on His grace. Secondly, we are to actively carry God’s love into the world by showing compassion, kindness, and understanding to others. This means not only attending to our own needs but actively addressing the needs of others and embracing them with a love that is not dependent on circumstances.

The challenge lies in recognizing that we cannot change our hearts on our own. Only God can grant us a new heart capable of loving as He does. Therefore, our prayer should ask God to fill us with His pure, holy love, which grows in our hearts and helps us reflect God’s merciful love in our relationships. When we live this love in our daily lives, we can be a light to others and demonstrate God’s presence in the world.

In summary, this passage challenges us to contemplate the selfless, merciful love made possible by the Holy Spirit. It is a love that goes beyond ourselves and enables us to recognize the deepest needs of others and respond with patience, kindness, and truth.

Why is the Death of the Self, Selfishness, and the Corruption of Our Natural Hearts the Only Way to Live Out This Kind of Love? What Decisions Can We Make to Experience This Death of the Self?

The death of the self, selfishness, and the corruption of our natural hearts is the only way to live out the selfless and divine love described in 1 Corinthians 13 because our natural state is characterized by selfishness and sin. Our human nature tends to place ourselves at the center, have expectations of others, and direct our behavior based on our own needs and desires. This self-centered attitude is in opposition to divine love, which is unconditional, selfless, and devoid of selfish motives.

Jesus Himself provides the perfect example of this kind of love by urging us to “take up our cross” and follow Him. The death of the “self” means laying aside our own self-centeredness, pride, and desire for control over our lives and allowing God’s will to guide us. Only through this process of self-denial and dedication to God can we live the true love that God has for us.

Why the Death of the Self is Necessary:

1. Overcoming Selfishness: Our natural inclination is to place ourselves and our desires first. However, to practice the love described in 1 Corinthians 13, we must learn to shift our focus away from ourselves and concentrate on the well-being of others.

2. Abandoning Egoism: Egoism often leads to conflicts and misunderstandings. By “killing” our own self, we prioritize the needs and well-being of others over our own and promote an atmosphere of peace, understanding, and care.

3. Embracing Divine Love: The death of the self creates space for God’s love, which is poured into us through the Holy Spirit. Only when we empty ourselves and allow God to guide our lives can we live in the same kind of love that Jesus has shown us.

Decisions to Experience the Death of the Self:

1. Daily Self-Denial: Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily. This means consciously making decisions each day that challenge our own selfishness and encourage us to seek and do God’s will. It involves overcoming our own pride and desire for recognition and living for the well-being of others.

2. Practicing Gratitude and Humility: Humility is key to the death of the self. By showing gratitude to God and humility toward others in all that we do, we learn to place our own self behind the needs of others.

3. Practicing Forgiveness: Often, the desire for revenge is a strong sign of selfishness. By practicing forgiveness—both toward others and ourselves—we overcome the natural urge to be hurt and seek retribution. Forgiveness means letting go of our own self and resentment.

4. Seeking Quiet Time with God: To “kill” the self, we must learn to listen to God’s voice and trust Him in all things. Spending time in silence and prayer helps us empty ourselves of self-centered concerns and absorb God’s character and love into our lives.

5. Placing Others Above Ourselves: One of the most practical ways to lay down the self is to act serviceably and selflessly toward others. It can be as simple as helping someone in need or focusing on the needs of a friend or family member without expecting anything in return.

6. Consciously Distancing from Worldly Influences: The world promotes a culture of individualism and striving for personal success. To die the self, we must consciously distance ourselves from these worldly values and focus on God’s kingdom and the needs of our fellow human beings.

The death of the self is not a one-time act but an ongoing process that requires daily dedication, humility, and the willingness to surrender control of our lives into God’s hands. Through these decisions and the continuous act of self-denial, we can reflect God’s love in our lives and become a true source of love and comfort to others.

The connection between our daily lives and faith concerning divine love and the death of the self lies in the practical implementation of the principles found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and the teachings of Jesus. The love described in these verses is not just a theory but a way of life that should shape our behavior and relationships. It challenges us to shed the selfish tendencies of our natural hearts and practice a selfless, patient, and unwavering love that mirrors God’s love.

In daily life, this means actively working to overcome our own selfishness. This happens not only through prayer and personal dedication but also through concrete actions, such as serving others, placing their needs above our own, and showing patience in difficult moments. These decisions and the willingness to deny ourselves help us reflect God’s love in our relationships and live as Jesus has exemplified.

This means that in all areas of our lives—whether in the family, workplace, or community—we must learn to place others’ needs above our own, practice forgiveness, live in humility, and not be driven by personal interests or selfishness. The “death of the self” is thus an ongoing process in which we daily surrender our lives to the guidance of the Holy Spirit to embody God’s love and provide a testimony to the world.

Through the continuous process of self-denial and dedication to God, we can reflect the deep, merciful, and passionate love that God has for us in our daily lives. This love is the foundation for a fulfilling Christian life that not only preaches words but also speaks through actions, making divine love visible in the world.

True reflection of God’s love in our lives means denying our own self daily and selflessly investing in the welfare of others.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-god-is-passionate-and-compassionate-4-5-compassion-and-passionate-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

4.4 A Jealous God?
God’s Passionate Love and Faithfulness

1 Corinthians 13:4 explains that love does not “jealous.” So how can God be a “jealous God”? Read 2 Corinthians 11:2 and consider how God’s people have become unfaithful to Him in the biblical narratives (see, for example, Psalm 78:58). What light do these passages shed on the understanding of divine “jealousy”?

Divine “jealousy” is often misunderstood in the Bible, especially when compared to the negative connotation of jealousy in a human context. In human relationships, jealousy can easily be perceived as possessive, insecure, or destructive. However, when speaking of God’s jealousy, it is not about the same destructive zeal aimed at possession or control but rather a passionate and just love that desires an exclusive relationship with His people.

In 2 Corinthians 11:2, Paul describes this type of jealousy as “divine zeal,” which results from God’s deeply felt love for His people. This “jealousy” is not a reaction to a perceived lack or insecurity but a passionate love that yearns for a faithful and exclusive relationship. God is not merely demanding attention; He desires a devoted, undivided commitment from His people. This relationship is often depicted in the Bible as a covenant characterized by love and faithfulness.

God’s jealousy becomes particularly evident when we examine the history of the people of Israel. Time and again, God’s people are compared in the Bible to an unfaithful spouse who turns away from their beloved and turns to other gods (e.g., in Hosea, Jeremiah, and the Psalms). In these moments, God’s “jealousy” is a response to the unfaithfulness and failure of His people to turn exclusively to Him. This passion is a deep, just reaction to the turning away from God’s love.

It is important to distinguish between destructive human jealousy and divine “jealousy.” God’s jealousy is never selfish or envious but always a just and passionate love that yearns for the well-being of His people. It is an expression of His deep affection, desire for an intimate, undivided relationship, and concern for the welfare of His people.

This divine jealousy or passion reveals the depth of God’s love for us. It is not merely a demand for recognition but an expression of a love that longs for a faithful and sincere response from us. When we understand this love, we recognize that God’s jealousy does not serve to control or punish us but to call us to a life of faithfulness and dedication to Him.

How Can We Learn to Show the Same Good “Jealousy” Towards Others That God Shows Us?

To exhibit the same good “jealousy” that God shows us, we must learn to understand this “jealousy” as passionate, just love and dedication—a love that yearns for the well-being of others without being destructive or possessive. It involves acting with deep care and a strong desire for an honest, faithful relationship. Here are some ways we can live out this divine “jealousy” in our interactions with others:

1. Selfless Dedication: Just as God passionately cares for His people and desires an intimate relationship with them, we should selflessly invest in the well-being of others. This means not seeking personal gain or recognition but placing the needs and welfare of those around us at the center of our actions. It involves investing in relationships and being faithful without conditions or expectations.

2. Mutual Faithfulness and Loyalty: A key characteristic of divine “jealousy” is faithfulness. We can cultivate this faithfulness in our relationships, whether in the family, friendships, or community. Faithfulness means being there for each other in good times and bad, supporting one another, and not giving up in difficult moments.

3. Forgiveness and Patience: God’s “jealousy” demonstrates not only passion but also patience and a willingness to forgive repeatedly. Adopting this attitude in our relationships allows us to meet others in their imperfection while desiring their return to true fellowship and faithfulness. Forgiveness and patience are central components of a good “jealousy” that seeks reconciliation and healing rather than revenge.

4. Mutual Care and Protection: God’s jealousy is an expression of His love and care for us. This type of love includes the desire for others’ well-being and our commitment to stand up for one another. We can demonstrate this attitude in our daily lives by actively caring for the welfare of those around us and protecting them, whether through support in difficult times or advocating for justice and fairness.

5. Honest Communication and Open Relationships: A healthy “jealousy” in relationships is characterized by honesty and openness. We should strive to express our desires, feelings, and concerns in a respectful and loving manner to avoid misunderstandings and build deeper connections with others. True closeness and trust emerge when we are willing to communicate openly and honestly with one another.

6. Love as a Guiding Principle: The core of God’s “jealousy” is love. By prioritizing this love in all our relationships—whether with friends, family members, or others—we ensure that our actions are always guided by a benevolent and just desire. It involves not only seeking our own benefit but actively pursuing the welfare of others and meeting them in their best selves.

In summary, learning the good “jealousy” of God involves developing a love that is faithful, patient, caring, and just. We can reflect this attitude in our daily lives through our behavior and decisions by placing the needs and well-being of others above our own interests and striving for genuine dedication and closeness in every relationship. This way, we can bring the divine passion for relationships into our own lives.

Divine “jealousy” has a deeper meaning in our daily lives and faith, calling us to cultivate a passionate and faithful relationship with God and others. When we understand God’s “jealousy,” we realize that it is not a destructive or possessive form of jealousy but a deep, just, and selfless love that yearns for an exclusive relationship and can be reflected in our relationships with others.

In daily life, this means actively working to overcome our own selfishness. This is achieved not only through prayer and personal devotion but also through concrete actions, such as serving others, placing their needs above our own, and showing patience in difficult moments. These decisions and the willingness to deny ourselves help us reflect God’s “jealousy” in our relationships and live as Jesus has exemplified.

This means that in all areas of our lives—whether in the family, workplace, or community—we must learn to place others’ needs above our own, practice forgiveness, live in humility, and not be driven by personal interests or selfishness. The “death of the self” is thus an ongoing process in which we daily surrender our lives to the guidance of the Holy Spirit to embody God’s love and provide a witness to the world.

Through the continuous process of self-denial and dedication to God, we can reflect the deep, merciful, and passionate love that God has for us in our daily lives. This love is the foundation for a fulfilling Christian life that not only preaches words but speaks through actions, making divine love visible in the world.

Reflecting God’s love in our lives means denying our own self daily and selflessly investing in the welfare of others. By doing so, we embody divine passion in our own lives.

God’s “jealousy” is a passionate love that calls us to faithful, selfless, and caring relationships with Him and others.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-god-is-passionate-and-compassionate-4-4-a-jealous-god-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/