Cypress Groups
Group Norms
Be courageous.
Be compassionate.
Be connected.
Be a cog. (Not a hog nor a log)
Loving Well
Vulnerable Love - Feb. 15
Summary:
In this message, we explored how we often long for deep relationships yet unintentionally sabotage them by protecting our inner lives. Using the image of carefully built Lego creations being destroyed, we considered how easily we fracture something far more valuable—our relationships. At the heart of our hesitation is the fear that “if you really knew me, you might not love me.” But when we look at Jesus—particularly in the wilderness (Luke 4) and in Gethsemane (Luke 22)—we see that the most intimate details of His struggles were recorded because He chose to share them with His closest friends. Jesus modeled vulnerability, showing us that real love requires being truly known. James 5:16 reminds us that confession and prayer within community bring healing, not shame. The challenge for us is to go first—to see real questions and honest moments as invitations into deeper connection, responding with courage, discernment, and a desire to experience Jesus together in the middle of our struggles.
Icebreaker:
What’s something you’ve built, created, or worked hard on that you were really proud of?
Discussion:
When someone asks, “How are you?” what do you usually say—and why do you think that’s your default response?
Read Luke 4:1-12 & 22:39-46: In Luke 4:1–12 and Luke 22:39–46, we see intimate moments from Jesus’ life that He later shared with His disciples. What stands out to you about Jesus’ willingness to talk openly about His temptations and anguish? What does that reveal about how He viewed relationships?
Have you ever experienced a moment when someone’s honesty or vulnerability made you feel closer to them? What was it about that moment that deepened the connection?
What is one area of your life right now where you tend to default toward concealment instead of confession? What would it look like to take one small step toward being more open—with the right person—this week?
With this teaching in mind, look back at our group norms. How do they fit with this teaching? How can you apply those norms in your life to reflect love?
What’s your take away from the teaching?
Prayer:
As you pray together, ask God for courage to be known, wisdom to discern safe relationships, and grace to receive others’ vulnerability in a way that reflects the heart of Jesus. Invite Him to deepen your relationships—with Him and with one another—through honest, Spirit-led openness.
Loving Well
Comforting Love - Feb. 8
Summary:
This teaching explores God’s design for love as the foundation of human life and relationships. Because God Himself is a community of love, we were created for connection—not isolation. Biblical love is not a feeling or desire but an intentional, self-giving commitment that seeks the good of others. We first receive God’s love, then learn to love ourselves and those closest to us, and finally extend compassion outward. True love moves beyond sentiment into action: it shows up, listens, and comforts those who are suffering. Rather than trying to “love the world” in abstract ways, we begin with specific people God has already placed in our lives. As we practice paying attention and offering compassionate presence, we become people who don’t just do loving acts—we become love itself, reflecting Christ to the world.
Icebreaker:
What is something you "love" that might surprise people?
Discussion:
How does our culture typically define love? How is that different from the Michael Wilkins “Love is an unconditional commitment to an imperfect person where one gives oneself to another to bring the relationship to God’s intended purposes.”?
The order of love is... God loves us, We receive His love, We learn to see ourselves the way He sees us, Then we love others, Even enemies. Why is it important to receive God’s love first before trying to love others?
What’s the difference between sentiment and compassion in real life? Where are you most tempted to feel sympathy but not take action?
The message said, “The first act of love is attention.” Why is listening so powerful? Who in your life might need you to listen more than you talk?
If you believed you truly are “the light of the world” where you live, how would your daily life change?
What was one take-away from this message?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for loving us first and meeting us with Your comfort and grace. Help us receive Your love deeply, and then give us eyes to notice the people right in front of us and the courage to love them well. Make us compassionate, present, and faithful lights wherever You’ve placed us, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Everyone is Welcome.
Seriously. Every week at Cypress, Christians and non-Christians, seekers and skeptics, fired-up and burned out all come together in search of answers to life’s great questions. There’s always room for more. We hope to see you soon!
