Holier Than Thou by Jackie Hill Perry
Week 10: Chapter 9 — God Is Love
Read Chapter 9 of Holier Than Thou. Key passages: 1 John 4:8–16; John 3:16; Romans 5:8.
Previewing Week 10 of Holier Than Thou
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 11-week guide when you’re ready.
We live in a culture that is fluent in the language of love but deeply impoverished in its understanding — this week we let Scripture define love from the character of God outward, not from our preferences inward.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.The Bible does not merely say God is loving — it says God is love (1 John 4:8). Jackie unpacks why that distinction matters. What is the difference between love being something God does and love being something God is?
2.Our culture tends to define love as unconditional affirmation — never causing discomfort, always validating every choice. How does Jackie's treatment of divine love challenge or complicate that definition?
3.Romans 5:8 says God demonstrates His love 'while we were still sinners.' The timing is everything. How does the unconditional nature of God's initiating love differ from the transactional love most of us have experienced from people?