Six Things About God That Don’t Change – Week 1 Guide
God’s Love – Malachi 1:1-5
To download the guide for this week, use the link below.
Connecting
*If your group is gathering for the first time:
- Introduce yourself, & share: your name (see attached sheet to write down everyone’s name to help you remember), what town you live in, how you heard about BBC, and which worship service you attend.
- When you think of God’s love, what’s the first word or image that comes to mind?
*If you’re in an ongoing group:
When you think of God’s love, what’s the first word or image that comes to mind?
As a group, take turns reading aloud the Healthy Habits for a Small Group. Whether your group is new or ongoing, it’s a good idea to regularly be reminded of the habits and expectations that help groups thrive.
Healthy Habits for a Small Group
Come with 100% of yourself. Each of us brings all of who we are to the group – our joys and successes, as well as our fears and failures.
Presume welcome and extend welcome. We all learn most effectively in spaces that welcome us. Know that you are welcome, that you belong, and extend this welcome to others.
No fixing. Offer advice or reflection to another person only when invited to do so, but otherwise avoid the temptation to fix, set-straight or counsel another member of the group.
Share the air. Pay attention to how much of the group time you take. Every voice is important, and no single voice ought to dominate.
Speak for Self. A helpful practice is to use “I” statements. This is a time to reflect on your own faith journey and not on someone else or “the world.”
Pay attention to people, put your phones away : )
Listen to Silence. Silence is a rare gift in our busy world. Allow silence to be another member of the group.
Observe Confidentiality. This is especially important for trust to develop. What’s said in the group stays in the group.
Believe that it’s possible to emerge from this experience refreshed, surprised, and less burdened than when you came. Expect that our time together can provide for renewal, refreshment, and helpful perspectives for our spiritual journeys.
Here is the Introduction to the Six Things About God That Don’t Change Series
Questions
- In Malachi 1:2, God says, “I have loved you.” What does this statement reveal about God’s heart for people, even when they doubt or turn away?
- The people ask, “How have You loved us?” Why do you think we sometimes fail to recognize God’s love in our own lives? What are some ways we can remind ourselves of God’s love when we don’t feel it?
- God contrasts the divine response to Jacob and Esau and their descendants. How does this remind us that God’s love is based on God’s promise, not on our performance?
- When life feels unfair or distant from God’s blessings, how can we hold onto the truth that God’s love never changes? Can you think of a personal example when you saw God’s steadfast love during a hard season?
- God wanted Israel to recognize His love and respond with love and faithfulness. What does it look like to genuinely love God in return today — in our worship, priorities, and relationships? Where might God be inviting you to renew your love for the Lord?
- In verse five, God promises that the Lord’s greatness will be seen “beyond the borders of Israel”. How does sharing God’s love with others reflect our love for the Lord? What are some practical ways we can live out our love for God this week?
Closing thought:
Malachi begins by reminding Israel of something we all need to hear often—God loves us first. When that truth settles deeply in our hearts, our natural response is worship, gratitude, and a renewed desire to love God back with our whole lives.
Praying for Each Other
Are there any joys to celebrate, any burdens we can share?
Closing Prayer