Bible tells us that God is love.
The better we love, the better we reflect God’s character.

Jesus said:
“A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love
one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that
you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35 (Berean Standard Bible)

All of us carry different hurts and burdens and we may have habits and hang-ups that hinder our relationships and prevent us from enjoying life to the full. The healing happens with the help of God and with the help of other people.

In all our small groups we want to create a safe place to share, an atmosphere where people can be 100% honest about their struggles and still to be accepted and loved. We want to encourage each other and ask God’s help to enable us to change for better.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.”
Philippians 2:13 (BSB)

“Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is
anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.”
James 5:13 (BSB)

God is both a loving father and the King of Kings.

As a loving father God wants us to love each other and do things that are beneficial. When we fail to honor God we actually do something that hurts ourselves and others.

God’s will is revealed in the Bible and it is important to live carefully. We need to think, what the Bible says about our personal lives, families, sex, work, leadership and also what churches should do.

Grow for better
Fruitfulness can be several things such as: growth in character and the salvation of new people. It is important to desire both.

Jesus promises in John 15:5 that “The one
who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much
fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” (BSB)

The key to fruitfulness is not a lot of activity, the key to fruitfulness is not stressful striving but staying connected to Jesus. We need time with God in prayer and exploring his word the Bible, we need worship and a loving Christian community where all our gifts can complement each other and where we can give our gifts for God’s use.

You can be God’s friend.

In John 15:14-15 we see that we can be friends of Jesus. This is an amazing truth, that friendship with God is possible.

Just like with a good friend or just like in the book of Psalms, in prayer we can honestly share about our lives and struggles to God. We can be honest but we must be respectful.

Bible tells us:
“Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He
cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (BSB)

Prayer and daily time with God can be a great delight and tremendous power to change lives and even circumstances.

We want to be careful in how we interpret the Bible.
We should not take things out of context.

Bible does have some passages that are difficult to understand but these passages can become easier to understand when we interpret them in the light of other passages, in light of God’s loving character and in the light of Jesus` work on the cross.

One of the big keys is that we are saved by faith in Jesus and not by works. When we understand how much God loves us, we can grow to be truly loving toward God and others.

Another big key is that all the rules that God gave, were given for the benefit of men and women. Men were not created for the rules but rather the rules were given for our benefit. When we understand that, we can hang on the more important ones which are Love and Mercy.

Let’s make a difference!
One of the best questions, when thinking about our communities, is “What would be good news for them?” For example, a community might need help with childcare for single moms or tutoring for English reading and writing. These good works can be a tremendous testimony to all.

It is important that we have a heart for the poor, that we respect and help immigrants and care about justice.
 
Let your gentleness be apparent to all.
The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5 (BSB) 

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and
glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 (BSB)
 
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD,
and He will repay the lender. Proverbs 19:17 (BSB)