Small Group Discussion Guide

• Sermon Series Name: Love Songs
• Message Title: Love for the Long Haul
• Short Summary: This message explores the concept of love for the long haul, emphasizing a steady, enduring passion rooted in commitment and service, as exemplified by the speaker's parents' marriage and the love of Christ for His church. It challenges us to redefine passion not as fleeting emotion but as consistent, selfless action.

Icebreaker Question

• What is the most memorable or unique gift you've ever given or received, and why did it mean so much to you?

Review of the Previous Week’s "I Will" Statement

• Reflect on last week's commitment.  I will take a step in following God's plan for sex at it's best. What challenges did you face in living it out? How did you see God at work in your life or the lives of others?

Five Discussion Questions (Core Focus)

1. Reflecting on the Message:
   • The message highlighted the importance of a steady, enduring love. How does this compare to the world's view of passion and love?
   • Context: Pastor Rodney shared about his parents' marriage and their commitment through trials.
   • Life Application: Consider how you can cultivate a steady flame in your relationships. What small, consistent actions can you take?
2. Personal Experience with Long Haul Love:
   • Describe a time when you witnessed or experienced love that persevered through difficult circumstances. What impact did it have on you?
   • Context: Pastor Rodney's parents remained committed through the loss of a child and illness.
   • Life Application: How can you apply this example of perseverance in your own relationships?
3. Understanding Biblical Passion:
   • How does 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 redefine passion for you? Which aspect of love described in this passage do you find most challenging?
   • Context: The message emphasized love as patient, kind, and selfless.
   • Life Application: Identify one area where you can grow in love this week and make a plan to act on it.
4. The Role of Service in Love:
   • The message described love as action and service. Share a story where serving someone deepened your relationship with them.
   • Context: Pastor Rodney's father showed love through everyday actions, like filling the car with gas.
   • Life Application: What is one practical way you can serve someone in your life this week?
5. Christ’s Passion for the Church:
   • How does understanding Christ's passion for the church influence your view of love and commitment in your own life?
   • Context: The message compared marriage to Christ's love for the church.
   • Life Application: Reflect on how you can model Christ's love in your relationships.

This Week’s "I Will" Statement

• I will passionately serve others to show Christ's love to the world.

Prayer Prompts

1. Prayer Requests: Invite group members to share any personal prayer requests.
2. Prayer for Steady Love: Pray for the strength to cultivate a steady, enduring love in our relationships, reflecting Christ's love for us.
3. Prayer for Service: Ask God to open our eyes to opportunities to serve others and to give us the courage to act on them.

Rewatch the Message

• For further reflection, you can rewatch the message at www.pathwaychurch.com/messages.