40 Days Discussion Questions | Week 5
The Hustle for Likes
Many people seek validation through social media, approval from others, and worldly recognition, yet these pursuits always leave us empty. This week, we’ll uncover the truth that only Jesus' love fully satisfies. When we rest in His unconditional acceptance, we are freed from the exhausting hustle for approval and can embrace the unshakable love only He can provide.
Memory Verse for Week 5: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:9–10 NIV
Try using this Bible verse memorization tool. Each letter in the following line is the first letter of the memory verse.
TIHGSHLAU: HSHOAOSITWTWMLTH. TIL: NTWLG, BTHLUASHSAAASFOS. 1J 4:9-10
Dig a little deeper into the memory verse. Ask yourself the following three questions. Discuss your answers with your group:
What? (What is this verse saying?)
So What? (What does it mean to me?)
Now What? (To apply this verse, I must.)
1. Can you share a time when you purposely went over the top to attract attention from others?
2. In Genesis 29:17, we read the words of comparison spoken over Leah. She began to accept the lies and words that were spoken over her from a young age. What are some of the lies you’ve believed, perhaps since childhood, about who you are?
3. Read Genesis 29:33. Simeon means “heard.” This isn’t just about answered prayer—it’s about a woman still unloved, still rejected, still unseen. And now she’s crying, “Will anyone listen to me? Will anyone hear what I’m not saying out loud?” When have you felt like you had to work for someone’s approval? How did that impact your sense of worth?
4. Read Genesis 29:34. Levi means “joined” or “attached.” Can you hear her hope? “Now at last…” It’s not confidence—it’s exhaustion. She’s holding on, barely, thinking maybe—just maybe—this will finally make him stay. What do Leah’s responses to her children’s births tell us about her longing for acceptance?
5. Pastor James said, “God didn’t call Leah to be Rachel.” Just because Jacob chose Rachel doesn’t mean God didn’t choose Leah. God has a calling for you that may differ from those around you, but that doesn’t mean He still doesn’t have a purpose for you. How have you tried to perform like someone else to be liked?
6. Read Genesis 29:35. Did you catch it? No mention of Jacob. No desperate plea for attention. No emotional negotiation. Just worship. What did Leah say this time? How has her heart changed?
7. Read 1 John 4:9-10. It was when Leah learned to praise the Lord that she began to truly live loved. The struggle to be liked ceases when you start to live in the love of God. 1 John 4:9-10 illustrates the lengths to which God was willing to go to demonstrate His love for you. What are some ways you can remind yourself this week to embrace living loved by God?
8. Leah sought love from Jacob, but how does this contrast with the unconditional love described in 1 John 4:9-10?
9. What does it mean to “live through Him” in 1 John 4:9, and how could that have changed Leah’s or Rachel’s perspective on their worth?
10. Leah always had God’s attention and affection, but not Jacob’s. How can you go through this week knowing that God’s love is enough? Take a “praise break” each day this week. Like Leah did with Judah, intentionally set aside time to praise God, shifting your focus from seeking approval to expressing gratitude.
Last Thoughts and Reminders
We often wear masks and seek validation through performance, hoping to be loved, yet it leaves us feeling unseen and empty. Our deepest ache is to be wanted, but human affirmation falls short. True fulfillment comes when we stop hustling for approval and start living in the love God freely gives.
Easter is a season of new life and fresh starts. Someone in your life is waiting for an invitation—who will you invite to join you on Easter weekend? A simple “Come sit with me at church!” could change someone’s life forever. Who are the five you are praying for?
Orange City Location Easter Clean-up. April 12, 9 am to 12 pm. This is a great opportunity for your group to join other Life Groups as we clean up the Orange City location in preparation for Easter! There will be mulching, painting, and cleaning projects available to choose from. https://bit.ly/42mWTZm
Would you consider serving at one of our Easter services? We will have many first-time visitors on campus, and we want everyone to feel at home. If you would like to help, please scan the QR code and complete the Volunteer Interest Form. You would not be committing to a team (although you might fall in love with it!); we simply want to discuss where you could help out. Guest Experience and Journey Kids are where we will have the greatest need on Easter Weekend.
We only have two Night of Prayer events left. Will you join us? They start at 6:30 pm:
• DeLand – April 8 – Stetson University Student Union (CUB 203)
• Online (streamed) – April 13
Mark your calendar and plan to attend Consume, our Good Friday Worship Service, on April 18, at 6:30 pm, on our Orange City location. Just a reminder that childcare is not provided, so please start planning now.