What do you imagine God’s face looks like when He looks at you?
We can believe that God loves us and still wonder whether He’s disappointed, keeping track, or waiting for us to finally get things right. Sometimes those assumptions shape our relationship with Him more than we realize. They affect how we pray, how we respond when we fail, and whether we feel free to enjoy being His children.
As we begin Behold, we’re making room to slow down and give God our attention. After spending time exploring how the Holy Spirit changes us and how we participate in that work, we’re considering a simple part of transformation that’s easy to overlook: the more clearly we see Him, the more deeply we worship Him, and the more we become like Him. Through the words and life of Jesus, this message invites us to take another look at the Father we think we know. There may be more warmth, generosity, and joy in His heart toward us than we’ve allowed ourselves to believe or receive.
If you missed the live service or want to reflect further, you can watch the full message above anytime after. We’ve also included discussion questions to dig deeper into the message and a handout with fill-ins to guide your reflection. You can find the handout by clicking the “Download” button above. Whether you watch this on your own or share it with your small group, we hope this message encourages you.
Discussion Questions
- When you imagine God looking at you, what expression do you picture on His face? What has helped shape that picture?
- How does Jesus’ response in John 14:9 help us understand what the Father is like?
- Why might someone feel comfortable approaching Jesus but feel hesitant about approaching the Father?
- In Luke 15:20-24, what does the father’s response reveal about his heart before the younger son has a chance to explain himself?
- What is the difference between believing God will forgive you and believing He is glad to receive you? How might that affect the way you come to Him?
- When are you most tempted to keep score with God, thinking about what you have done for Him and what He should do for you?
- How can you recognize when serving God has started to feel like earning His approval? What could help you enjoy being His child again?
- What does the father’s decision to go outside to the angry older son show us about bringing our own disappointment or resentment to God?
- First John 3:1 invites us to consider the Father’s love in calling us His children. What would change in your everyday life if you felt more secure in that relationship?
- What could taking time to behold God’s goodness look like for you this week, and how could you make room for it without turning it into another task to complete?
