“The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” – Mark 12:31.

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” We’ve heard Jesus’ words many times (Mark 12:31), but sitting with them long enough to apply them can be life-shaping. This command isn’t an optional add-on to the Christian life—Jesus says it is second only to loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. These two loves are inseparable: our love for God is made visible in the way we love others. But what does it actually mean to love our neighbor as ourselves?

Most of us are pretty familiar with self-love—not the kind that’s prideful or self-obsessed, but the simple, everyday desire to look after our wellbeing. We feed ourselves when we’re hungry, seek comfort when we’re hurting, and look for connection when we’re lonely. Jesus invites us to take that same instinctual care and extend it outward. The hunger we feel—others feel too. The desire to be heard, valued, known—our neighbor aches for the same.

Our neighbor is not just like us, or the person we naturally like. When Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan, He redefined “neighbor” as anyone in need whom God places in our path. A stranger lying on the side of the road. A co-worker who is discouraged. A friend who’s overwhelming us with their struggles. Yes—even the person who frustrates us the most. Loving our neighbor is an invitation to attend to the image of God in every human being we encounter.

This love stretches beyond convenience and comfort. Biblical love is active. It is patient when others test our patience. It gives when we feel like holding onto what’s ours. It forgives when we have every reason to stay hurt. It leans toward people rather than away. The love Jesus calls us to is a daily decision to live like His love is truly enough—enough to pour out, enough to share, enough to carry us when it’s hard.

And we do not love alone. God never commands without equipping. “We love each other because he loved us first” (1 John 4:19). The more we experience God’s grace, the more freely we can extend grace. The more we receive His patience, the more patient we become. Love begins not with trying harder, but with staying close to the One who is love.

Imagine what God might do if we took one step this week—just one step—toward loving a neighbor as we love ourselves. What if we offered encouragement instead of criticism? What if we slowed down enough to truly listen? What if we prayed regularly for the very person who challenges us? Those small seeds of love can grow into a harvest of transformation—in them and in us.

When we love our neighbor as ourselves, we participate in the very heartbeat of God. We reflect His character to a world desperate for compassion. And we step into the joy of the kingdom that Jesus proclaimed—right here and right now.

Discussion Questions:

1. Who comes to mind when you think of the word “neighbor,” and why? 
2. What’s the difference between a general feeling of love and the biblical command to love your neighbor as yourself? 
3. What are some different definitions of “love” you’ve encountered, and how does the biblical definition compare? 

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV).

What is the meaning of the expression “seek my face?” How can someone know whether they have already “found God’s face” or still need to keep seeking to “find it?”

There is a distinct difference between seeking the hand of God and seeking the face of God. Many of us come to Him searching for answers, for blessings, for provision—asking Him to move His hand in our lives. But Scripture calls us to something deeper: “Seek My face,” says the Lord (Psalm 27:8 ESV). To seek His face is to pursue His presence, not merely His provision. It is to desire Him, not just what He can do.

Seeking the face of the Lord is the posture of a heart that cries, “Lord, I don’t just want answers—I want You.” When Moses asked to see God’s glory (Exodus 33:18), he wasn’t asking for a miracle. He had already seen miracles. He had seen seas part and manna fall. What he wanted was presence—the face of God.

This seeking requires a stillness that our fast-moving world resists. David wrote, “The one thing I ask of the LORD— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD’s perfections and meditating in his Temple” (Psalm 27:4). Notice his longing was not for protection, success, or clarity but for beauty—for the sheer joy of being with God. To seek His face is to slow down long enough to behold Him, to worship without agenda, to pray without a list of needs, to be present with the One who loves us.

Seeking God’s face invites God’s refining. His nearness exposes things within us that distance kept hidden. If we truly desire His face, we must be willing for Him to search and cleanse our hearts. Seeking is not passive. It invites surrender.

And yet, seeking His face also brings rest. Those who seek His face discover not a distant deity, but a Father who delights in being known. In His presence, burdens lift, anxieties quiet, and identities are restored. To seek His face is to return home.

How do we seek His face daily? Through unhurried prayer—taking time not only to speak but to sit and through Scripture—reading not for information but to reveal His character, through worship—lifting our hearts beyond circumstance into adoration. Sometimes, it’s a whispered prayer in the morning darkness. Other times, it’s a quiet walk, turning attention toward Him. It is intentional, but it is also relational.

Today, let your prayer echo David’s: “Your face, LORD, do I seek.” Not just His help. Not just His gifts. But His face. For when we find Him, we find everything.

Discussion Questions:

    1.    Do I primarily seek God’s hand or His face?

    2.    What distractions keep me from resting quietly in His presence?

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you….” – James 1:8 (ESV).

Drawing near to God is a central goal for every believer. It is the pursuit of a deeper relationship with the Creator, guided by faith, humility, and love. In James 4:8, James exhorts us, saying, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” This promise is a comforting assurance that our efforts to seek God are met with His eager response.

To draw near to God is to open our hearts to what has always been available. It’s not that God ever withholds his presence from us. It’s that he never forces us to abide in him. If we want to go our own way, He willingly and patiently waits for us. And the moment that we turn our hearts back to Him, He is there to fill us with His nearness.

To draw near to God, we must first acknowledge our need for Him. Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near,” calling us to intentionally pursue Him amidst our daily routines. Prayer is a vital means of drawing closer; it is a form of communication that invites God’s presence into our hearts. When we pray sincerely, with honest hearts, we open ourselves to His grace and guidance.

The Word of God is another powerful tool in this journey. Reading and meditating on Scripture helps us understand God’s character and His promises. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” As we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, we align our hearts with His truth, fostering intimacy and trust.

Humility is essential in drawing near to God. Recognizing our limitations and sins humbles us, making us open to His forgiveness and renewal. 1 Peter 5:6 says, “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.” 

Community also plays a role in drawing near to God. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together. Fellowship with other believers sustains our faith, provides encouragement, and reminds us of God’s love in action.

Ultimately, drawing near to God is a journey marked by obedience, trust, and love. It is not a one-time event but a daily pursuit. As we seek Him earnestly, His presence transforms us from the inside out, filling us with peace and joy that only He can give. Remember, God’s arms are always open to welcome us closer; He longs for an intimate relationship with His children.

Hopefully, this week we will prioritize our connection with Him, knowing that in drawing near, we find our true purpose and fulfillment.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does the phrase “draw near to God” mean to you personally? 
2. What are the practical steps that help you draw near to God? 
3. What is one thing you need to stop doing, start doing, or change this week to grow closer to God? 

“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” – Hebrews 13:2.

Radical hospitality is a profound calling that challenges us to open our hearts and lives in extraordinary ways. It goes beyond mere kindness or politeness; it calls us to embody Christ’s love through our actions, welcoming the stranger, the marginalized, and those in need with open arms and genuine compassion.

In the Bible, hospitality is a recurring theme. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” This verse highlights that hospitality is not just a social courtesy but a spiritual practice that can have spiritual significance. Jesus exemplified radical hospitality, often eating with sinners, healing the outcast, and welcoming children. His life was a living testimony of unconditional love and acceptance.

Radical hospitality calls us to go beyond comfort zones and cultural norms. It asks us to look inward and confront our biases, fears, and prejudices. It demands that we see others as Jesus sees them—beloved children of God, deserving of dignity and respect. This kind of hospitality is radical because it challenges societal barriers, breaking down walls of race, class, nationality, and religion, fostering a community rooted in love and equality.

Practicing radical hospitality requires intentionality. It might mean inviting a neighbor into your home, supporting a refugee family, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or simply listening without judgment. Each act of genuine hospitality reflects Jesus’s love in tangible ways and transforms the recipient and the giver. It nurtures community, builds trust, and reflects God’s kingdom here on earth. As the body of Christ, the Church is called to be a welcoming community—an open table where all are invited and valued.

Our world is full of strangers, not just literal strangers to us but people estranged from their own country, culture, and families, even estranged from God and their deepest sense of self. Living a life marked by Christ-like hospitality means being a safe person who extends to others the grace, shelter, and presence of Jesus.

In conclusion, radical hospitality is more than hosting events or being friendly; it’s a lifestyle rooted in Christ’s example. It invites us into a deeper walk of faith—a reflection of God’s inclusive love. As we embrace radical hospitality, we will be transformed into living signs of hope and grace, embodying the radical love of Jesus in every interaction. When we do acts of genuine hospitality, we participate in God’s kingdom—where love has no bounds and everyone is welcomed home.

Discussion questions:

1. Where have you personally experienced or received great hospitality, and what made it memorable? 
2. What are the internal or external barriers that make it difficult for you or your community to practice radical hospitality?
   

   “Later, Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi’s fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them. But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?” Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” – Luke 5:29-32.

 In life, we often face seasons of scarcity and abundance, moments of joy and times of hardship. Amidst this fluctuating journey, one truth remains steadfast: there is always a seat at God’s table for us.

The imagery of a table invokes feelings of fellowship, belonging, and nourishment. In Psalm 23:5, David declares, “You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.” This verse reveals that no matter what enemies or challenges surround us, God’s table is set and ready. It is an invitation to partake in His grace, mercy, and love. The table of God isn’t reserved for the perfect or the righteous alone; it’s open to everyone—regardless of past mistakes, current struggles, or future fears.

Throughout the Bible, we see stories that reinforce this truth. The parable of the great banquet in Luke 14:15-24 offers a powerful reminder of God’s inclusive grace. In this story, a man prepares a feast and invites many guests, but they each make excuses and decline. The host then extends the invitation to the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame, reflecting God’s desire for all people to join His kingdom.

This parable highlights that God’s kingdom is open to everyone, regardless of social status or background. The invitations to the marginalized emphasize that God’s love and salvation are for the least, the lost, and the overlooked. Our table should be open as well.

All around us are people who have been rejected. By someone, somewhere. Maybe even by the church. Think about the implications on our lives. When someone’s behavior annoys or frustrates you, make room at the table for them. When someone’s life and decisions confuse you, make room at the table for them. When someone’s struggle begs mercy and grace and kindness, make room at the table for them. There’s always room for more.

Regardless of a person’s past mistakes, social standing, or perceived shortcomings, there is a place for them in God’s fellowship and grace. The “table” symbolizes reconciliation, fellowship, and a place of abundance where barriers are broken.

Making room for people at the table might not always be comfortable. It might take some adjusting to make room in our schedules or with our comfort zones. But with prayer and a little thinking on our feet, we can invite them in. We can show them the great love and acceptance of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It might just be a kind word or a hug and a prayer. It might be an invitation to church or a Bible study. Whatever it is, no matter who they are or what they have done in the past, they should walk away feeling valued and loved at God’s table.

Discussion Questions:

1. Who is one person outside of your normal circle you can invite for a meal or coffee this week? 
2. What does creating a culture of invitation look like for you? 
3. How can you practice “genuine hospitality”—inviting those who cannot repay you—in your everyday life? 

“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity” – Acts 2:46.

What is the first image that comes to mind when you think of a table? Tables come in all shapes and sizes. It can be a gathering space for many or a few. A place to eat, converse, create, play games, work, collaborate, negotiate, laugh, and cry. Many celebrations, essential conversations, and life-changing events happen around tables. From the preschool table where you learn to share crayons to the coffee table where you sit and pour your heart out to a dear friend, a table is a fixture in our lives.

The table holds a profound significance throughout the Bible. From the earliest stories to the teachings of Jesus, the table is more than just a place for eating; it is a sacred space where relationships are built, blessings are received, and God’s generosity is revealed.

In the Old Testament, the table often symbolizes God’s provision and blessing. For instance, in Psalm 23:5 (ESV), David says, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…” This verse depicts God’s provision and protection, even amid difficulties.  It reminds us that God is, ultimately, our provider, ensuring that we have what we need to thrive spiritually and physically.

In the New Testament, Jesus elevates the significance of the table through His ministry. The Last Supper, recorded in Matthew 26:26-29, marks a pivotal moment where Jesus establishes communion. The table becomes a symbol of fellowship, unity, and sacrificial love. Jesus invites His disciples—and by extension, all believers—to partake in the bread and wine, symbols of His body and blood. This act signifies that believers are part of a divine family, united through grace and committed to following Christ.

Moreover, Jesus’ ministry often centered around meals and tables. He dined with sinners, tax collectors, and Pharisees, breaking social barriers and demonstrating God’s inclusive love. The table also points us to our future hope—an eternal banquet with Christ in heaven. Revelation 19:9 describes the “wedding feast of the Lamb” a celebration where God’s people will feast in His presence forever. This vision encourages us to live with expectancy and gratitude, knowing that our relationship with God is ongoing and fulfilled in eternity.

In conclusion, the table in the Bible is a powerful symbol of God’s provision, community, and divine hospitality. It reminds us that in God’s economy, sharing life and blessings around the table is a sacred act. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody the spirit of the table—welcoming others, giving thanks, and partaking in God’s grace.

Every meal shared in His presence is an opportunity to experience His love and to extend that love to others.

Discussion Questions:

1. What types of tables do you interact with in your daily life (e.g., kitchen tables, work desks, dining tables)? How do they function in your life?
2. Why do you think the kitchen table holds such a central place in many families’ lives? How does it bring people together?
3. How do you use the kitchen table or similar spaces to connect with others or share life?

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” – John 14:1.

Jesus opens chapter 14 with this statement: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” This statement sets the tone for the entire chapter and, indeed, for the Christian life as a whole. In the face of their collective anxiety, Jesus directs His disciples to place their trust not in their own abilities or in each other, but in Him.

This call to trust was given when the disciples had just witnessed their own failures and shortcomings – their petty arguments, their inability to understand Jesus’ mission, and their impending betrayals and denials. Jesus’ words remind us that the answer to hurt and broken trust is not to withdraw or become cynical, but to redirect our trust to the only One who will never fail us.

Building on the foundation of trust, Jesus offers His disciples a powerful source of hope. In John 14:2-3, He says, “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am preparing a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

This promise reorients the disciples’ (and our) perspective from earthly concerns to eternal realities. The “place” Jesus is preparing is not of this world but in the Father’s house. This imagery evokes the idea of home – a place of love, care, acceptance, peace, and communion with loved ones.

This promise is put in perspective when we consider Jesus’ earthly experience. During His ministry, Jesus had no permanent home. He was even denied a place at birth, with “no lodging available for them.” Yet, He promises His followers a permanent place in God’s house, where they will never be rejected. We have a permanent home being prepared for us – a place where we are fully known, fully loved, and fully accepted.

Having established the importance of trust and hope in Him, Jesus makes one of the most profound and controversial claims in all of Scripture. In John 14:6, He declares,“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

This statement is exclusive in nature, asserting that Christ is not merely a way to God, but the only way. It challenges the disciples’ (and our) tendency to rely on our own efforts or to seek alternative paths to spiritual fulfillment. The exclusivity of this claim runs counter to many contemporary views.

In John 14:8, the apostle Philip asks Jesus to “show us the Father,” expressing a desire for a direct manifestation of God, similar to how Moses requested to see God’s glory. Jesus responds by explaining that seeing Him is the same as seeing the Father, as He perfectly reveals the Father’s will, purpose, and power through His words and actions. The verse highlights that Jesus’ presence and identity are so unified with the Father that to know and see Him is to know and see God.

John chapter 14 offers lessons on finding peace in troubled times, recognizing Jesus as the exclusive path to the Father, the importance of living by faith and obeying Christ’s commands as proof of love, the promise of the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort believers, and the assurance that disciples will continue Jesus’s work through Him and with His support.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the promise of a place in the Father’s house provide hope and comfort in difficult times? 
2. What does it mean to you that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (v. 6)? 
3. What can we learn from Philip’s request to “show us the Father”

“I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there.”- Psalm 139:7-8.

God is omnipresent, meaning He is everywhere at all times, not limited by space or time. This presence is both universal, filling creation, and personal, with the Holy Spirit living in us. We cannot escape God’s presence. But there are times when we view God as someone who is just looking down and watching us, especially when life feels anything but good.

One of the greatest promises in Scripture is that God is always with us. In Joshua 1:9, God commands Joshua, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This promise is not just for Joshua but for all of us who trust in Him.

No matter what circumstances we face—whether in joy or in hardship—God’s presence remains constant. He walks with us through times of celebration and through times of sorrow. His presence brings comfort, strength, and assurance that we are never alone.

Psalm 23:4 assures us, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” When we feel overwhelmed or uncertain, remembering that God is with us can bring peace and confidence. His presence is our refuge and our strength. There are many stories in the Bible about God being always there.

Daniel 3:16-28 has one of those stories. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is a powerful testament to unwavering faith in God. When King Nebuchadnezzar commanded everyone to worship a golden image, these three young men refused to bow down, even under the threat of a fiery furnace. They declared their firm trust in God’s power and goodness, saying, “…the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty” (Vs. 17).

They trusted God would deliver them from the fiery furnace when King Nebuchadnezzar threatened them, and they were unharmed because God was with them, walking with them in the flames. The account demonstrates that while faith doesn’t mean an absence of trials, God promises to be there through them.  This story is a reminder that no matter what trials we face—be it fear, opposition, or adversity—our unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty can lead us through the fire. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, let us stand boldly in our faith, knowing that God is with us in every challenge we face.

So how do we encounter the presence of God? How do we experience his nearness? Encountering God is similar to encountering another person. I don’t seek an experience with a friend; I simply seek to know him by spending time with him and gain an experience as a result. I don’t seek to hear the voice of a friend; I simply engage in conversation with Him as an act of wanting to know Him and hear His voice as a result.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we be more aware of God’s presence even when we don’t feel it? 
2. What are some practical steps we can take to seek God’s presence and companionship each day intentionally? 
3. How has the knowledge that God is always with us changed the way you approach fear, uncertainty, or suffering? 

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

We have this little tradition of when we are passing someone on the street, in a store, or even at church: we greet others with a “Hi! How are you?” Then, we turn and go about our business.

We have to be careful that we don’t view our relationship with God the same way. We can go to church, and a small group, save and tithe as if we’ve completed just another checklist item, and move on. Our lives become so busy―too busy―that we try to fit God into whatever time we have left over. So how do we grow in communion with our heavenly Father? So how do we experience greater fellowship with God? One way is through regular, purposeful, and persistent prayer.

Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 are so powerful. His encouragement to “never stop praying” reminds us that prayer isn’t about ideal circumstances—a thriving spiritual life is about cultivating a rhythm of trust and connection with God. Like any meaningful relationship, our connection with God grows stronger when nurtured consistently. Prayer becomes a rhythm that sustains us, aligning our hearts with His will and opening our eyes to His presence in every moment. A thriving spiritual life is about cultivating a rhythm of trust and connection with God.

A consistent prayer routine isn’t just another task on a spiritual checklist. It’s a transformative practice that connects us to the One who restores and renews. In quiet moments of prayer, we discover clarity in confusion, peace amidst chaos, and strength during uncertainties. A prayer rhythm plays a pivotal role in this process, providing the framework for us to partner with God through consistent communication with Him. We begin to see His hand at work, transforming our pain into purpose. The good news is that a prayer routine doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be intentional.

The first step in cultivating a prayer rhythm is releasing the pressure to “perform” in prayer. God is not waiting for polished words; He is waiting for our presence. Just as a friend cherishes simple conversation, our Father delights in honest, unguarded dialogue. Begin your day with a simple acknowledgment—“Good morning, Lord. I’m here.” Before the rush, before the noise, anchor your heart to Him.

A true prayer rhythm seeps into ordinary moments—washing dishes, driving, working, walking. Prayer becomes less of an event and more of an atmosphere. You start praying without realizing it: over your thoughts, over your frustrations, over the people who pass you. Life becomes a sanctuary, and every breath becomes worship.

A prayer rhythm is not built in a moment; it is formed over miles of trust. But as it grows, so does your awareness of God’s nearness.

Discussion questions:

    1.    Where can I place intentional prayer touch points in my day?

    2.    What simple prayer can I begin each morning with?

    3.    How can I incorporate Scripture into my daily prayer rhythm?