We talk about God's love. It is important to move this love from being strictly cognitive. This reflection, adapted from Brennan Manning, will help youth experience God's love in a more affective way. If appropriate, you can discuss the experience afterward. The questions are to be asked slowly, reflectively, and prayerfully.

Close your eyes.

Imagine Jesus looking at you. When you look into his eyes, all you see is love.

Stay with that for a while.

Hear Jesus say: "No matter what you do, no matter where you go, I will always love you. You can never get away from my love."

How does that love make you feel?

Matthew 22:34-40

What did Jesus say is the greatest commandment?

What did Jesus say is like it?

Warren Carter, "Love God, Love Neighbor," in Loving God, Loving Neighbor, ed. Sondra Matthaei. p 34.

How did Jesus demonstrate this love?

In what ways can we limit love to being personal only?

How can we expand love to being societal?

What happens when showing love becomes dangerous?

When has this happened? What stories are there of someone being in danger for showing love, being kind?

Over the next month watch out for stories where expressing love was dangerous for you or others and how this was dealt with.

Brennan Manning: The Signature of Jesus.