Reckless? - Vulnerable Love Home Church Guide

Introduction Summary

This week in our Reckless? series, we explore a powerful and surprising truth: God's love is vulnerable. While vulnerability might seem weak or unsafe, the story of Jesus reveals a God who does not grasp at power or rule from a distance, but who gives, descends, and draws near—even to the point of suffering. Paul’s hymn in Philippians 2 invites us to take on the same posture: to live not from control or coercion, but from the strength of sacrificial love.

To love is to be vulnerable. And to be vulnerable is to share in the very heart of who God is.

Reflection Questions

1. Vulnerable Love

• What comes to mind when you hear the word vulnerability? Is it something you resist or welcome?

• C.S. Lewis wrote, “To love at all is to be vulnerable…” How have you experienced this in your own relationships?

• How does Philippians 2 challenge our assumptions about power, strength, and success?

2. The Power of Descent

• Paul writes that Jesus “did not consider being equal with God something to exploit.” What stands out to you about Jesus’ choice to give, not grasp?

• In what ways do we still operate in “Roman” mindsets of power—personally, politically, or spiritually?

• Can you think of a time when someone’s vulnerability created deeper connection, not weakness?

3. With, Not Over

• How might your relationship with God change if you fully believed that God is with you—not just over you?

• Hebrews says Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses. How does that affect the way you pray or come to God?

4. Participation, Not Compulsion

• The Christ hymn is framed by a call: “Adopt this attitude.” What does it look like for you to participate with God in love?

• Are there places in your life where you’re invited to choose vulnerable love—even if it costs you something?

• Mary says, “Let it be to me according to your word.” What would it look like for you to say that to God right now?

Practical Response

This week, choose one relationship or space in your life where you will practice the kind of love we see in Jesus:

• Give instead of grasp.

• Move toward instead of away.

• Invite participation instead of control.

Ideas:

• Write a note of empathy or encouragement.

• Apologize where you've used power to distance or defend.

• Ask for help or share a fear you’ve been carrying alone.

• Let someone in—to your pain, your joy, or your process.

Breath Prayer for the Week:
Inhale: Let it be to me…
Exhale: According to your love.

Closing Prayer Prompt

Invite someone in the group to read or pray aloud:

God of self-giving love,
You could have stayed distant.
You could have ruled from far away.
But you came near—vulnerable, open, and moved by love.
Teach us this way of Jesus.
Help us let go of control, of pride, of performance.
And give us the courage to love like you do—
With open hands, open hearts, and open lives.

Amen.