Be One, Make One – Part 3 Loving People: Selfless Service, Forgiveness and Grace, Seeking the Good of Others
INTRODUCTION
In this session, we will explore three essential aspects of Loving Others:
1. Selfless Service – Serving others by putting their needs above our own, sacrificing our time, energy, and resources for their benefit.
2. Forgiveness and Grace – Extending grace and forgiveness to others, just as God has forgiven us.
3. Seeking the Good of Others with Truth and Compassion – Encouraging growth and peace through love, truth, and care in our relationships.
Through group discussion and personal reflection, we aim to understand how to live out these expressions of love in practical, biblical ways.
PART 1: SELFLESS SERVICE AND SACRIFICE
Overview:
Loving others involves selfless service—putting others first, giving without expecting anything in return, and living with compassion. True love costs us something. It’s motivated not by personal gain but by the value God places on others.
Key Scriptures:
• Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
• John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
• Matthew 9:36 – “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them…”
What Is the Text Saying?
• Philippians 2:3-4 – Calls for humility and valuing others above self.
• John 15:13 – Displays the ultimate act of love: sacrifice.
• Matthew 9:36 – Reveals Jesus’ compassion and empathy for the hurting.
Discussion Questions:
• What does selfless service look like in your everyday life?
• Where do you find it difficult to love sacrificially in your community?
• How can you grow in compassion and empathy toward others this week?
PART 2: FORGIVENESS AND GRACE
Overview:
Forgiveness is a cornerstone of love. It reflects the mercy we’ve received from God and enables reconciliation, healing, and peace in our relationships. Grace is giving what’s undeserved—just as Jesus gave to us.
Key Scriptures:
• Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate… forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
• Matthew 5:43-44 – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
• Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible… live at peace with everyone.”
What Is the Text Saying?
• Ephesians 4:32 – Forgiveness flows from the forgiveness we’ve received.
• Matthew 5:43-44 – Love extends even to enemies.
• Romans 12:18 – We are responsible to pursue peace wherever possible.
Discussion Questions:
• How does forgiveness demonstrate the love of Christ?
• What makes it difficult to love and forgive those who hurt us?
• What steps can you take to live at peace with someone you’re in conflict with?
PART 3: SEEKING THE GOOD OF OTHERS WITH TRUTH AND COMPASSION
Overview:
Loving others includes caring for their spiritual, emotional, and relational well-being. We are called to speak truth, correct gently, and build others up in love. This kind of love leads to peace, maturity, and unity in the body of Christ.
Key Scriptures:
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient, love is kind… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
• Ephesians 4:15 – “Speaking the truth in love, we will grow…”
• Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
What Is the Text Saying?
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Describes love’s enduring and gracious character.
• Ephesians 4:15 – Challenges us to build each other up through truth and love.
• Matthew 5:9 – Shows that peacemaking reflects God’s heart.
Discussion Questions:
• How do you speak truth in love without causing harm or offense?
• Where is the challenge in encouraging others with both honesty and grace?
• How can you be a peacemaker in your home, church, or friendships?
CLOSING DISCUSSION
• Which of these—selfless service, forgiveness and grace, or seeking others’ good—stood out the most to you?
• Where do you feel most challenged?
• How do these three practices work together to display the love of Christ?
CLOSING APPLICATION
For this week, take one intentional step in each area:
• Selfless Service: Serve someone this week with your time, attention, or support, expecting nothing in return.
• Forgiveness and Grace: Identify someone you may need to forgive or extend grace to—begin praying for them and consider a first step toward healing.
• Seeking the Good of Others: Speak encouragement or truth in love to someone who needs it, and promote peace where there’s tension.
Come ready next time to share what you experienced through these acts of love.
NEXT STEPS
In the upcoming sessions, we’ll continue walking through the path of true discipleship. As we grow in loving others like Christ, we’ll discover how to strengthen our witness, build deeper community, and reflect God’s heart in every relationship.