Note To Self

Note To Self

April 21, 2024

Series: Relationship Goals

Jason Cusick

Jason Cusick

Audio Download

Listen to Messages

You must love yourself. Practice self-love. I can love myself better… Loving oneself is a strong message today, but with so much self-love, why are we will not happy and why is the world so broken?  In this third and final week of message series, Relationship Goals, we’ll look at what Jesus and early Christians thought about God’s love and how this can help us find a healthy sense of self-love and identity. We ‘ll also discover how self-love is only truly life-giving if coupled with self-accountability!

Watch Full Service

Groups Discussion Guide

To view a .docx version of this guide, click here.

Introduction 

Welcome, everyone! Last week, we focused on being intentional in strengthening our relationships. How did that go for you throughout the week? Were you able to take steps toward improving any particular relationship? Share with the group about your experience.

After your time of connecting, begin your meeting with prayer.

Key Verse for the Week  

*Read this verse, then encourage the practice of memorization throughout the week.

*Matthew 22:37–39 is the foundation for this three-week sermon series, Relationship Goals. We already memorized the majority of the passage about loving God and your neighbor, let’s add the final section!

“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

**When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us.

Connect   

  • Share with the group one thing that you like about yourself – something that you’re thankful God created about you.
  • Discuss what self-acceptance means to you. Do you find self-acceptance to be a challenge? Why or why not?

Opening Thought  

In today’s culture, the concept of self-love is often discussed. Jesus tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves, implying a natural inclination toward self-love. However, true fulfillment in self-love comes not from ego or achievements but from understanding our value through God’s eyes.

Big idea for the week  
Through a relationship with Jesus, we can love ourselves as God loves us.

Unpack 

Go around your group and have someone read each of the following verses, then discuss the connected questions.  

Read  

John 3:16–17 – “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”

Unpack

  • In Sunday’s message, Pastor Jason shared with us that God’s essential posture towards each of us is love. How do these verses reflect that posture?
  • How does knowing that you are loved by God change how you treat yourself and others?

Read  

Genesis 1:27 – So God created human beings in his own image.
    In the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

Isaiah 64:8 – And yet, O Lord, you are our Father.
    We are the clay, and you are the potter.
    We all are formed by your hand.

Psalm 139:13–16 – You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
    as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
    Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
    before a single day had passed.

Unpack 

  • What do these verses say about how God views us?
  • How can having an understanding of God’s intricate knowledge of us help us grasp God’s acceptance of us?
  • What do these verses teach us about God’s plan for us in the world? In our families, friendships, workplaces, etc.?

Romans 12:3-8 – Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Unpack 

  • In verse 3, Paul says: “Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves…” What do you think Paul wants us to take away from this wisdom? How can we balance humility with an appreciation of our unique gifts and roles in God’s plan?
  • Paul has given a list of some of the gifts God gives us. Do any of these resonate with you? How does that gift currently play out in your life? What do you think God might be calling you to do with that gift?
  • Do you ever find yourself comparing yourself to others? What can this passage teach us about God’s thoughts on comparison?

2 Corinthians 10:12 – Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!

Unpack 

  • Why is comparing ourselves with others not wise according to Paul?
  • How can we focus more on fulfilling our individual callings instead of measuring our worth by others’ standards?

Apply 

Based on the verses we just read, and Sunday’s message, there are some things that we can do in response. Take a moment to discuss these questions as a group to decide what your personal action steps for the week can be:

  • Identify one area of your life where you often find yourself making comparisons. Commit to transforming how you view this area by reminding yourself every day of God’s unique purpose for you.
  • On Sunday, Pastor Jason encouraged us to read Ephesians 1:3–14 each day and bask in the truths God says about us. As you read, see yourself in the passage, and note which areas of the passage are a challenge for you to accept about yourself. Ask God to help you see yourself as he sees you.
  • Discuss as a group how you can help each other this week in embracing and living out this truth of being uniquely loved and valued by God.

Closing 

Remember, our Big Idea this week was: through a relationship with Jesus, we can love ourselves as God loves us. Sometimes the idea of loving ourselves can seem counter-intuitive, or self-serving, but God desires that we each grow in an understanding of who he has created us to be. God desires that we love ourselves. The more we invite Jesus into our thoughts and feelings about ourselves, the more we can understand the concept of self-acceptance and love. Let this understanding transform how we live, leading us to love ourselves and others better.

Prayer 

Let’s share any additional prayer requests that you have.  

Daily Devotional Verses  

Use the S.O.A.P. method to reflect on the verses below. 

Scripture: Read the verses several times. Reading out loud can be helpful as well. 
Observation: What can you see about the scripture you read? 
Application: What is God wanting you to believe, do, or feel, based on what you have read? 
Prayer: This is a chance to talk to God about what you have read and ask him for help in living out what you’ve learned. 

  • Day 1 – Day 6: Ephesians 1:3-14
    • This week’s daily devotional verses were shared with us in Sunday’s sermon. Pastor Jason encouraged us to read this passage each day and bask in the truths God says about us. As you read, see yourself in the passage, and note which areas of the passage are a challenge for you to accept about yourself.

info@journeyoffaith.com

(424) 327-6500

1243 Artesia Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Facebook Instagram Youtube Shield-alt

PAUL & HOLLY ZWIERZYNSKI

  • Translating the Bible Support
  • North Carolina

Paul and Holly Zwierzynski serve at the JAARS Center in Waxhaw, North Carolina, where they support Bible translation efforts around the world. Paul specializes in solar power and computer networking. He helps missionaries use low-power computers in remote areas and sets up reliable internet connections using tools like satellite and radio links. His work has supported over 180 field sites, allowing translation teams to collaborate across long distances. Holly works in the translation office as a project assistant. She helps develop Old Testament translation guides and reference materials used by Bible translators worldwide. Before moving to North Carolina, Paul and Holly served in Cameroon, where their passion for this work first began.

JERRY & BETH TUCKER

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Southern California

Jerry and Beth help prepare new missionaries for the field by leading orientation, providing training, building teams, and offering mentorship during the first year of overseas service. They serve with Wycliffe, a Bible translation organization, and bring years of experience to this important work. Their work began in 1995 in the Philippines, where they served as dorm parents and teachers. Both Jerry and Beth grew up at Journey of Faith, and the church has been supporting their ministry for 30 years. They remain committed to serving for many years to come.

TOM SHECK

  • Youth Development
  • South Bay

 Tom serves as the South Bay Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His goal is to see lives changed through the influence of athletes and coaches on middle school and high school campuses. FCA focuses on values like integrity, serving, teamwork, and excellence. The ministry equips students and coaches to grow in their faith and lead others by starting small group gatherings on campus, known as “Huddles.” These groups become places of encouragement, leadership, and spiritual growth within the school community.

CODY & LEXI SCRIVENS

  • Meeting Community and Church Needs
  • Dublin, Ireland

 Cody and Lexie are serving in Ireland, partnering with a local church to build relationships and share the message of Jesus. Their work takes place in a culture shaped by both deep religious tradition and growing secularism. Navigating this tension is challenging, especially in light of Ireland’s complex religious history, but they remain committed to reaching people who often feel distant from faith.

BRYAN & JACINDA MARTIN

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Philippines

 The Martin family is planting churches in the Philippines through World Team. One of the key ways they serve is by caring for creation. They work with vulnerable communities that are struggling as natural resources become scarce. By teaching sustainable practices for managing the environment, they help meet practical needs while also creating space to share about God’s design for humanity and introduce people to the Creator.

BARBARA LEE

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • San Diego, CA

Barbara supports missionary families by helping their children access quality education and navigate the many transitions that come with cross-cultural life. She currently leads the Indonesia MK (Missionary Kid) Care and Education Team, providing guidance, resources, and support for families across the region. In late 2025, she will join the U.S.-based MK Care and Education Team, where she will train new missionaries, equip education consultants, offer academic testing, and provide personalized educational help for families preparing to serve.

K & L

  • Starting New Churches
  • Southeast Asia

L and K are working to start churches among ten large, unreached, and unengaged people groups in Southeast Asia. They also lead a growing team that has expanded from 11 to 22 units since the pandemic, increasing their reach and impact in the region.

TIM & ERICKA HARRIS

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Oregon

 Tim and Ericka Harris understand the preparation, training, and lifelong commitment it takes to serve in missions. Their work has included cross-cultural ministry throughout Latin America, including eight years living and serving in Costa Rica with their family. Out of a desire to support those serving in demanding ministry roles, they provide pastoral care to missionaries, pastors, and ministry leaders around the world. Through their R.E.S.T. initiative—Retreat, Encouragement, Safety, and Transformation—they offer spaces for leaders on every major continent to step away, recharge, and return to their work with renewed strength and clarity.

MARK & BRENDA HALL

  • Starting New Churches
  • Guadalajara, Mexico

Mark and Brenda Hall moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2018, where Mark now serves as a teaching pastor at English Fellowship. The church brings together people from different cultures, backgrounds, and denominations, serving both international residents and Mexican nationals living in the city for work. Although their focus is now in Mexico, they remain connected to their previous work in Guatemala, where they spent 18 years investing in the lives of young people. Their move to Guadalajara opens new doors to build relationships, support the local community, and share the message of Jesus in meaningful and relevant ways.

RICH FRAZER

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • Nepal and North India

The Fraziers serve with an organization called SOS, which stands for Spiritual Overseers Service International. Rick serves as the president and helps lead the organization’s three core objectives. The first is evangelism, which focuses on spreading the message of Jesus. The second is discipleship, aimed at strengthening the global Church. And the third is compassion, which means meeting the physical and spiritual needs of fellow believers. The Fraziers train Christian leaders and partner with Tabernacle Ministries in Nepal and North India. Through this work, SOS is mentoring more than 100 leaders who are reaching urban migrants with God’s love.

MARK & LISA DENEUI

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • France

 Mark is a Bible teacher focused on the New Testament who trains church leaders and church planters in French-speaking Europe. Lisa teaches English as a Foreign Language and French, using her skills to build relationships and serve the local community while sharing her faith. Together, Mark and Lisa serve with a network of church plants in the city of Strasbourg. They are committed to making Christ’s love known by partnering with the local French church to love their neighbors, share the gospel, and disciple new believers.

D & J

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Southeast Asia

D and J are building relationships with an unreached people group in Southeast Asia. Their hope is to see a new community of believers grow through intentional disciple-making and personal connection.

JOSEPH BRADFORD IV

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Los Angeles, CA

Joseph launched his nonprofit, B.A.R.E. Truth, Inc., in 2018 to serve individuals and families in Los Angeles facing homelessness, food insecurity, and other critical needs. Through mentorship, independent living support, housing assistance, and wellness services, Joseph and his team help people move toward healthier, purpose-filled lives. They also host weekly feeding events on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles. B.A.R.E. stands for Balance, Ambition, Respect, and Encouragement.

BILL ANKERBERG

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • Estonia

Bill leads a missions movement in the Nordic-Baltic region, focusing especially on Estonia, where fewer than 2% of people identify as Christian. His work includes supporting church planters, developing local leaders, strengthening compassion ministries, and mentoring pastors and missionaries across both the Baltics and Scandinavia. This ministry began in 2008 and continues to grow in reach and impact.

PAT & BETH ANDREWS

  • Bible Translation
  • Arlington, TX

 Pat serves with Seed Company, a subsidiary of Wycliffe Bible Translators, as Director of Field Projects for the Pacific Region and as a Translation Consultant. He helps oversee translation work in more than 60 languages, coordinating efforts across 11 organizations and 28 internships. Many of Pat’s teams are based in remote island communities, which often presents communication and travel challenges. Even so, Pat makes it a priority to visit his project teams and interns each year.

DENNIS & DENISE AHERN

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Washington State

Since 1992, the Aherns have provided counseling and care to missionaries in more than forty countries. They have a deep understanding of the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities that come with full-time ministry. Their commitment to supporting ministry workers led them to open a retreat center in Washington state called Selah Glen, where they host and lead pastoral care retreats. Through this work, the Aherns are able to care for those who spend their lives caring for others.

MIGUEL & MARIA ADAME

  • Church Planting
  • Baja Mexico

Pastor Miguel leads a growing church in Mexicali, Mexico, where he and his family have been serving the community since 2013. Their church runs weekly Bible studies, monthly outreach events, and provides a steady, welcoming presence in the neighborhood. In 2024, they opened a free private Christian elementary school that supports students with special needs or who are considered at-risk. Journey of Faith has partnered with this ministry through more than a dozen short-term mission trips.

Add Your Heading Text Here

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.