B1 · Part 10 of 12

Loving people: Seeking the Good of Others with Truth and Compassion

Introduction

Loving people like Jesus means doing more than just being kind—it means actively seeking their good. True love rejoices when others succeed, speaks truth even when it’s hard, and responds to pain with compassion. This is the kind of love we have received from Christ.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can become people who lift others up, speak life, and reflect the character of Christ in how we treat everyone—from the closest friend to the most difficult person.

This study explores three Christlike expressions of love:

1. Rejoicing in Others’ Blessings

2. Speaking the Truth in Love

3. Being a Person of Compassion

Section 01

REJOICING IN OTHERS’ BLESSINGS

One sign of spiritual maturity is the ability to celebrate others without jealousy or comparison. We want the best for others, even when it doesn’t benefit us directly. Just as Jesus rejoices over us, we are called to rejoice when others thrive.

Key scriptures

Romans 12:15

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

Philippians 2:3

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition… rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

Proverbs 11:25

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

What is the text saying?

Romans 12:15 — Genuine love feels joy for others’ victories and sorrow for their pain.
Philippians 2:3 — Humility helps us focus on others without selfish competition.
Proverbs 11:25 — Blessing others ultimately blesses us—God honors selfless joy.

Discussion questions

01Do you find it easy or difficult to rejoice when others are blessed?
02What does it look like to “value others above yourself” in real life?
03How can the Holy Spirit help you develop a generous and joyful heart toward others?

Section 02

SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE

Telling the truth can be uncomfortable—especially when it risks relationships. But love is not silence; love speaks. When we speak truth with grace and humility, we help others grow in Christ. We do this not to correct from pride, but to build up with care.

Key scriptures

Ephesians 4:15

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become… mature.”

Proverbs 27:6

“Wounds from a friend can be trusted…”

Galatians 6:1

“…if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.”

What is the text saying?

Ephesians 4:15 — Speaking truth in love is essential for spiritual maturity and unity.
Proverbs 27:6 — Honest correction is a gift from real friends.
Galatians 6:1 — Correction should come gently, from a heart restored by the Spirit.

Discussion questions

01Why is it sometimes difficult to tell others the truth?
02How do you balance honesty with grace in your relationships?
03When has someone lovingly told you the truth and helped you grow?

Section 03

BEING A PERSON OF COMPASSION

Jesus was moved by compassion—and He still is. His heart breaks for the broken, and so should ours. Compassion means seeing people through God’s eyes and responding with love, not judgment. It’s more than emotion—it’s action. The Holy Spirit enables us to carry this heart into the world.

Key scriptures

Matthew 9:36

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them…”

Zechariah 7:9

“…Show mercy and compassion to one another.”

1 Peter 3:8

“Be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”

What is the text saying?

Matthew 9:36 — Jesus felt deep compassion and was moved to act.
Zechariah 7:9 — God’s command is clear—His people must reflect His mercy.
1 Peter 3:8 — Compassion should define our posture toward others.

Discussion questions

01What does Christlike compassion look like in your life?
02Who around you might need more than your advice—they need your empathy?
03How can the Holy Spirit help you see people the way Jesus sees them?

Closing discussion

• Which part of loving others spoke most to your heart—celebrating others, telling the truth, or showing compassion?
• In what relationship do you feel called to grow in one of these areas?
• How does Jesus’ example give you courage to love more deeply?

This week's application

This week, walk in love through intentional steps:

01Celebrate – Reach out to someone who is doing well—encourage and rejoice with them.
02Speak Truth – In love, gently share a word of truth with someone who needs it, with prayer and humility.
03Show Compassion – Go out of your way to listen, serve, or comfort someone who is struggling.
04Ask the Holy Spirit daily:
05“Help me love others with truth, grace, and compassion—just like Jesus.”

Next steps

In the next session, we’ll study Patience and Longsuffering—how love endures with people through failure, frustration, and delay. Christ’s patience with us becomes our model for how we stay faithful in loving others long-term.

Would you like this formatted as a PDF workbook, discussion sheet, or slide presentation for teaching or small group use? I’d be happy to provide that!

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