Be One - Make One: Study 3

Be One, Make One – Class 03: Small Group Discipleship Study – Loving Others

Class Objective:
In this session, we will explore three essential aspects of loving others:

1. Selfless Service – Serving others by putting their needs above our own and 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 the growth and well-being of others through truth, love, and promoting peace in all relationships.

We will engage in group discussions and personal reflection on how to live out these aspects of love in practical, biblical ways.

Part 1: Selfless Service and Sacrifice

Overview:
Loving others involves serving them selflessly, putting their needs above our own. True love requires sacrifice—giving our time, energy, and resources to benefit others without expecting anything in return. Compassion and empathy are central to showing genuine care for others.

Key Scripture References:

• Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition... 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: "He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless."

Discussion Questions:

• What does selfless service look like today?

• How can we show sacrificial love in our communities?

• What are practical ways to demonstrate compassion and empathy?

Application:

• Find an opportunity this week to serve someone selflessly through time, resources, or an act of kindness. Reflect on how it impacted both you and them.

• As a group, brainstorm ways to support a person or organization in need and commit to serving together.

Part 2: Forgiveness and Grace

Overview:
Forgiving others, as God forgave us, is essential to loving people. This includes letting go of grievances and extending grace even to those who hurt us. We are called to unity, peace, and humility in relationships, always showing patience and compassion.

Key Scripture References:

• Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind... 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: "Live at peace with everyone."

Discussion Questions:

• How does forgiveness demonstrate love?

• What does it mean to love and pray for your enemies?

• How can we live in unity and peace, even in challenging situations?

Application:

• Think of someone you need to forgive. Pray for the strength to forgive and take a step toward reconciliation this week.

• Commit to praying for someone who has hurt you, asking God to bless them.

Part 3: Seeking the Good of Others with Truth and Compassion

Overview:
Loving others includes seeking their best by encouraging their growth and well-being. This may involve speaking truth in love, offering guidance, and correcting with kindness and compassion. True love means treating others with grace and promoting peace in all relationships.

Key Scripture References:

• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: "Love is patient, love is kind... It always protects, always trusts..."

• Ephesians 4:15: "Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become mature."

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

Discussion Questions:

• How do we balance speaking truth with compassion?

• What are ways to seek the good of others, even in difficult conversations?

• How does promoting peace reflect God’s love?

Application:

• Identify someone you can encourage this week—through kind words, helping in a time of need, or offering gentle guidance.

• Practice being a peacemaker in a challenging situation, aiming for reconciliation.

Closing Discussion:

• What stood out to you most about selfless service, forgiveness, and seeking the good of others?

• How do these three elements—serving, forgiving, and seeking good—help us reflect the love of Christ?

Closing Application:
This week, focus on applying one aspect from each category: Selfless Service, Forgiveness and Grace, and Seeking Good. Prepare to share your experiences in the next group meeting.

Next Steps:

Over the next sessions, we will explore these aspects—Selfless Service, Forgiveness, and Seeking Good—more deeply, incorporating them into our daily walk as we grow in loving others.

This outline encourages biblical reflection on loving others with practical applications for everyday life.