In His Image by Jen Wilkin
Week 3: Chapter 2 — Loving
Read Chapter 2 of In His Image. Key passages: 1 John 4:7–21; John 15:9–13; Romans 5:8.
Previewing Week 3 of In His Image
Read 3 of 8 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 12-week guide when you’re ready.
We live in a culture saturated with the word 'love,' yet Wilkin argues we have largely lost touch with what God's love actually is — and therefore with what human love is meant to look like. Come to this chapter ready to have your definition of love both deepened and corrected.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.Wilkin points out that love is perhaps the attribute of God most frequently mentioned in contemporary Christianity and yet most poorly understood. Do you agree? In what ways do you think popular Christianity has distorted or sentimentalized love?
2.The chapter distinguishes between love as an emotion or feeling and love as a commitment expressed in action. How does 1 John 4 ground the definition of love in God's own nature ('God is love') rather than in human feelings? Why does this distinction matter?
3.Wilkin emphasizes that God's love is not a response to our lovableness — Romans 5:8 makes clear he loved us while we were still sinners. How does this 'while we were yet sinners' quality of divine love challenge the way you tend to love others? Be specific: who in your life is hardest to love in this unconditional way?