• God is passionate about his people.
• All relationships must avoid the tendency to complacency.
• "Marriage must constantly fight against a monster which devours everything: routine!" (Honoré de Balzac)

Read Hosea 13v4-8

• How did God show his love for the nation of Israel during their time in the desert after they escaped from Egypt?
• How did their response to him illustrate complacency?

Read Matthew 7v21-29

• What do Jesus’ words here reveal about how he views complacency?
• In what ways are we in danger of complacency in our relationship with him?

Read Revelation 3v14-22

• Can you hear the ache of God's heart for his people to love him?
• How does this passage, written to Christians, speak to you?
• Is there anything of which you need to repent so as to avoid complacency?

How to avoid complacency

• Remember that God wants "fullness of life" for us, so there's always more to be discovered in our relationship with him.
• Like an Olympic athlete we should have a goal (1Corinthians 9v24)
  • Our aim should be to please God, not ourselves!!
  • What particular goals have you in life? Why these?
• Get involved with a cause you believe in (poverty, L'Echoppe, ACAT, ecology, etc…)
  • See our list of groups we support
• Invest yourself in a ministry (children, missions, catering, beautifying, etc.) that energises you
• Let the example of others inspire you (Hebrews 12v1-2)
• Build good habits into your life (like bible study, prayer, worship), but refresh them by change
• Open your life to others who can help you
  • Especial value of home groups, trios, partners…
• Remember how passionate God is about you!!

Make love your aim above all.

• Love alone can never be exhausted (1Corinthians 13)