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Loving my neighbor for their good
Is there anyone in your life who you love to receive gifts from the most? For me, it’s my sister. My sister is an excellent gift giver and it’s her greatest way of showing others she loves them. Over the years, I’ve watched her get to know the people around her and take time to figure out what gift they would enjoy receiving the most.
In Romans 15, Paul reminds us to “love our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” He doesn’t say “love them for your own personal good”, but he reminds us that it’s not about us. This means that the love we pour out on our neighbors must be entirely selfless; not seeking something in return.
If I handed you a surprise gift and then held my hands out to receive one from you that would seem ingenuine, as though I only gave you a gift to get something in return. That is not the heart of God, nor is it how He wants His people (us) to treat our neighbors. God gives His love selflessly to us, so we should do the same for the people around us!
Action Item: Pray and ask God to reveal to you two people to send an encouraging text message to. This could be something you love or appreciate about them or a great memory that you share together. You can also pray and ask God to give you a specific encouraging word or scripture for them. Remember, this isn’t so they can say nice things back but it’s to truly bless someone and give the gift of encouragement to your neighbor.
About this Plan
This plan will focus on what it means to be a "neighbor" in the current culture in which we live. Written by three high school students, this plan will help students focus on what the Word of God says about being neighbors and how we can practically show the love of Christ in our everyday lives.
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We would like to thank Gateway Church for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://gatewaypeople.com/ministries/students
