Catechism: How Do We Love God?Sample

“God loves you just the way you are.”

Have you ever heard that phrase? In one sense, it’s true. While we were still sinners, God loved us first and sent Jesus to die for us.

But in another sense, that statement is incomplete. God loves us just the way we are, but he doesn’t leave us that way.

God’s perfect love doesn’t just accept us as we are. God’s perfect love seeks to transform us into the fullness of who he made us to be. 

This process of transformation is called “sanctification,” which is a theological term that means “being made holy.” 

We don’t try to be holy to earn God’s love. We already have it! God’s love enables us to become holy and gives us the desire to become holy too.

Read 1 Peter 1:13-2:3

Reflection Questions: 

1. How does this passage describe the relationship between holiness and salvation? Which one comes first? Why is that important to recognize? 
2. What does a “holy” life look like, according to this passage? How does God want us to relate to him, others, and ourselves? Which area do you find most challenging? 
3. Is there anything in your life that’s holding you back from pursuing holiness? What do you need to do with those things? Ask God for his wisdom and help in saying “no” to sin and “yes” to holiness. Remember, God’s strength is the driving force behind our sanctification, not our own. We get to participate with him in the process. Everything God calls us to, he also equips us for, and he completed it all in the person of Jesus. We look forward to his return so that we can experience perfect holiness! Take some time to thank God for his work in your life and ask him to continue to guide you as you seek to honor him.