Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you" - when you already have it with you. Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. Do not accuse anyone for no reason - when they have done you no harm. Proverbs 3:27-30
With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape." Proverbs 11:9
Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue." Proverbs 11:12
The Bible is full of practical advice on how we live out our daily lives. But did you know that a Barna study revealed that only 1 in 6 adults actually read their bibles on a regular basis.
DISCUSSION:
-Why do you think we believe the Bible is relevant but do not actually read it?
-How can you incorporate reading and studying your Bible on a more regular basis?
Moving to the New Testament and a times that Jesus has a conversation with a Pharisee whose goal was to trip Jesus up, rather than have an honest conversation.
The man asked: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Luke 10:25
Jesus, in perfect rabbinical form, answers the question with a question. "What's written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" Luke 10:26
The man answered: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind" ; and, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27
If we are honest, it is often tough to love our neighbors. Things can happen that bring conflict or makes things awkward. Sometimes it is simply hard to get to know our neighbors.
DISCUSSION:
-How can we love our neighbors the way Jesus tells us to?
-What about loving our family?
-What about people we don't naturally get along with?
-Are there people in your life right now who you need to make amends with and love in a different way?
The Pharisee then wants to justify himself and tries to corner Jesus with another question: "Who is my neighbor?" Luke 10:29
Jesus then responds by telling a parable of the Good Samaritan. This would not have been what this man was expecting, as he was trying to justify himself and put himself in a good light.
You can read the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-36
We are meant to love everyone the way the Samaritan loved. Like the Good Samaritan, when we were out of hope, Jesus went to the cross to pay a heavy price so that we could be care for, so that we could be healed. But once you step across that line of faith, once you've been forgiven and restored and redeemed, Jesus tells us to love as you have been loved.
This is the great invitation.
DISCUSSION:
-If you have crossed the line of faith, what does it mean to you to love as you have been loved?
-If you have not yet crossed that line of faith, what would it look like for you to be loved by Jesus unconditionally and perfectly?
-How can you practically show the love of Christ to your neighbors, those at home, at work, out in the city?