Day 3: Set Apart to Make Disciples in Our Communities

CONNECT

Give everyone a piece of paper.

Think of people you see regularly who are not members of your family. Examples include your neighbors, those you see in school, or those you work with every day. Write as many names as you can think of on the paper provided.

Share your answers with everyone. This list tells us who your community is. Even if they are not part of your family, you see them a lot and you remain connected with them.

After this, set your paper aside for a while.

READ THE WORD

God loves the world so much that He has set apart His people to proclaim the gospel and make disciples of the people in their communities. This is why, more than ever, we are to live the message of love given to us by Jesus.

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your mind and with all your strength.’ And here is the second one. ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ There is no commandment more important than these.” Mark 12:30–31

“But here is what I tell you who are listening. Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who call down curses on you. And pray for those who treat you badly.” Luke 6:27–28

“I give you a new command. Love one another. You must love one another, just as I have loved you. If you love one another, everyone will know you are my disciples.” John 13:34–35

Love is the central message of the gospel. Jesus spoke of it over and over. Any impact we will make in our communities will be because of the love of God, which can deeply touch people’s lives. We can be channels of God’s love, especially to the hurt and broken people around us. Let us be open, be bold, and be generous in showing God’s love to people who desperately need it. It is through living a life of love that the community of people around us will know that we are truly Jesus’ disciples and are proclaiming the truth about Jesus.

HUDDLE

Parents to Kids

2–6 years old

• How do you treat other people? How do you speak to others?

7–12 years old

• Do you think others can see Jesus in you based on the way you treat them? Share a story.

Kids to Parents

• Do you have to show love to everyone, even to people you do not like? How?

Our lives speak a lot of what we believe in our hearts. As followers of Jesus, let our lives be a reflection of His love. More than what we say to others, it is through love, kindness, compassion, generosity, patience, and graciousness that they will see Jesus in our lives.

Most of all, love one another deeply. Love erases many sins by forgiving them. Welcome others into your homes without complaining. God’s gifts of grace come in many forms. Each of you has received a gift in order to serve others. You should use it faithfully. If anyone speaks, they should do it as one speaking God’s words. If anyone serves, they should do it with the strength God provides. Then in all things God will be praised through Jesus Christ. Glory and power belong to him for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:8–11

Remember the list of people you made earlier? They are the people in your community, and Jesus loves them, too. Think of ways you can reach out to them. Let us be intentional in engaging and loving them in every way. Our hope is that they may encounter Jesus personally.

PRAY

Dear God, thank You because You love all of us. Please help me share Your love with others. Help me reflect Your goodness and faithfulness to others. Give me patience and compassion so I may treat others well. Use me, Lord, to reach them—especially those who do not know You yet. In Jesus’ name, amen!

DISCOVER

Do you know that the commandments of Jesus teaching us to love are not new? God gave those same commandments to the Israelites centuries ago, back in the days when they were still in the wilderness.

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your mind and with all your strength.’ And here is the second one. ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ There is no commandment more important than these.” Mark 12:30–31

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

“‘Do not try to get even. Do not hold anything against any of your people. Instead, love your neighbor as you love yourself. I am the LORD.’” Leviticus 19:18

God’s commandments to us remain the same, whether centuries ago or today. He gives the same commandment because He is the same God and He loves us the same. He wants us to love Him and to love others because He is love. Isn’t that such a comfort that God never changes? Truly, we can trust and rely on Him.