Be One - Make One: Class 8

Small Group Discipleship Class: Seeking the Good of Others with Truth and Compassion

Class Objective:

Explore how to seek the well-being of others by building them up, speaking truth in love, and promoting peace through unconditional love and compassion. Guide small group discussion and personal reflection on how to live out these principles in practical ways that reflect Christ’s love.

Part 1: Seeking Their Best

Key Scripture References:

• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud... It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

• Philippians 2:4: "Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

• Hebrews 10:24: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

Overview:
Seeking the good of others means actively working to build them up and encourage their growth, both spiritually and personally. Biblical love involves patience, kindness, and a commitment to promoting others' well-being, even when it requires personal sacrifice.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some practical ways we can seek the best for others in our daily lives?

2. How does focusing on the interests of others over our own reflect Christ’s love?

3. How can we encourage spiritual and emotional growth in those around us?

Application:

• Identify one person you can build up or encourage this week, whether through kind words, a thoughtful action, or simply being present for them.

• As a group, discuss how you can collectively work to seek the best for others in your community, whether through service, mentorship, or fellowship.

Part 2: Speaking Truth in Love

Key Scripture References:

• Ephesians 4:15: "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."

• Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

• Galatians 6:1: "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently."

Overview:
Loving others involves being willing to speak the truth in love. This means offering correction or guidance when necessary, but always doing so with kindness, humility, and the goal of helping them grow. Truth and love must go hand in hand to ensure that correction builds up rather than tears down.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we balance speaking truth while showing compassion and love?

2. What are some challenges you’ve faced when needing to offer correction or guidance to someone?

3. How can we ensure that our words help others grow rather than discourage them?

Application:

• Reflect on a relationship where you may need to speak truth in love. Pray for wisdom on how to approach this situation with kindness and a spirit of encouragement.

• Practice offering constructive feedback with a fellow believer this week, focusing on growth and encouragement rather than criticism.

Part 3: Unconditional Love and Promoting Peace

Key Scripture References:

• Luke 6:32-36: "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them... But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back."

• Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

• Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

Overview:
True discipleship means loving others unconditionally, regardless of how they treat us. This reflects God’s love, which is given freely without expectation. Promoting peace and reconciliation is a crucial part of this, as we seek to live in unity and resolve conflicts with grace and humility.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we demonstrate unconditional love to those who may not treat us kindly?

2. What does it look like to be a peacemaker in your relationships and community?

3. How can we work toward reconciliation and unity when conflicts arise?

Application:

• Identify a relationship in your life where you can show unconditional love this week, even if it hasn’t been reciprocated. Share your experience with the group next time.

• This week, commit to being a peacemaker in a specific situation—whether resolving a conflict, offering forgiveness, or fostering unity in your relationships.

Closing Discussion

• How do the concepts of seeking others' best, speaking truth in love, and showing unconditional love fit together in living out Christlike love?

• What practical steps can you take this week to apply these principles in your relationships?

Closing Application:

• Focus on putting one element from each part (Seeking Their Best, Speaking Truth in Love, Unconditional Love) into practice this week. Be prepared to share how these actions impacted your relationships during the next group meeting.

Next Steps:

Over the coming weeks, we will continue to explore how to seek the good of others, balancing truth and compassion, and living a life of unconditional love that reflects God’s heart for unity and peace.

This class encourages participants to reflect on how they can seek the best for others with truth and compassion, while fostering unity and love in their relationships, reflecting Christ’s unconditional love.