LOVE FIRST | OCTOBER 26, 2025

Love First – Chip Henderson

LOVE FIRST HIGHLIGHTS

Key Passage: 1 John 4:19

At Pinelake, Love First is how we put God’s love into action. Every year, our church family partners with an organization that meets real needs and opens doors for people to experience the love of Jesus. From adoption and prison ministry to global missions and mental health, Love First is our way of caring for the overlooked and reaching the forgotten. We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

This year, we’re partnering with Canopy Children’s Solutions, Mississippi’s most comprehensive nonprofit serving children and families. Since 1912, Canopy has helped kids find healing and hope through counseling, therapeutic foster care, and education. Their mission is about restoring hope and changing lives for children who have experienced trauma or crisis.

Together through Love First, we can help complete the new CARES Center, a space designed to be a place of healing where children can begin to recover and find hope for their future. Every gift and act of service helps rewrite stories, one child, one family at a time.

INTRO

Icebreaker

If you could instantly gain a skill that would help others in need, what would it be and how would you use it?

Transition to Discussion

When we talk about “Love First,” it’s not just about giving money or volunteering. It’s about responding to God’s love by stepping toward others with compassion. Just as He moved toward us when we were broken, we get to move toward those who need hope. This week, we’ll look at how God’s love leads us to build, give, and serve in ways that change lives forever.

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Read 1 John 4:7–19.

  • How does God’s love for us redefine what it means to love others first?

  • What keeps us from loving people who seem difficult or distant? How can God’s love overcome those barriers?

Read Matthew 25:35–40.

  • What does Jesus’ teaching here reveal about how He views “the least of these”?

  • How does this shape the way we see the children and families Canopy serves every day?

Read James 1:19–27.

  • James says faith and action belong together. What might it look like to “do” love this week rather than just talk about it?

  • How can serving vulnerable children and families strengthen your own relationship with God?

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6–10.

  • What does this passage teach us about generosity that flows from gratitude, not guilt?

  • When have you seen God use someone’s generosity to bring real healing or hope?

NEXT STEP

Before we wrap up, I want us to take a minute to think about what it really means to love first. God’s love always moves toward people in need, and this is our chance to do the same.

As a group, what could it look like for us to come alongside Canopy Children’s Solutions together? Maybe we could pray regularly for the kids and staff at the CARES Center. Maybe we could volunteer at an event or find a simple way to encourage foster families. Even small steps can make a big difference when we’re doing them together.

And on a personal level, ask God what part He might want you to play. Maybe it’s giving financially to help finish the CARES Center. Or maybe it’s offering your time, your skills, or simply your prayers.

Let’s share a few ideas and see what steps God might be putting on our hearts. How can we love first together this week? More information can be found at pinelake.org/lovefirst.

PRAYER

Let’s close our time by praying together.

God, thank You for showing us what it means to love first. We want to follow Your lead and love the way You do.

We pray for the children Canopy serves, those who are hurting, scared, or searching for hope. May they find healing, safety, and the love of Jesus.

We pray for the families and foster parents who are opening their homes and hearts. Give them strength and encouragement.

We pray for the staff and counselors at the CARES Center as they serve every day. Fill them with wisdom, patience, and compassion.

We pray for the resources needed to complete the CARES Center so it can be a true place of healing and hope.

And we pray that You would stir our hearts to keep loving first through giving, serving, and praying.

Thank You for letting us be part of what You’re doing through Canopy. We love You, and we trust You with every child and every story. Amen.