Saul and Samuel Saul and Jonathan Saul and David
Love is a powerful element because it transforms people from within. Our story has been covering King Saul and his relationships with people that have made significant impact in his life. First, God used Samuel to speak the truth to him. Secondly, God used his son Jonathan to show him how to live a good life.
Today, we will look at how God used David to love on King Saul. Here are some things that we discover how to extend love to anybody that does not deserve loving (1 Samuel 24):
1. Loving your enemy is the right thing to do (v.5)
2. Consult others about your response to people (v.7)
3. Approach people with respect (v.8, 11)
4. Dispel gossip and confirm facts (v. 9-11)
5. Pray for justice and leave it to God (v. 12,15)
First, relate any of this point to the story of David and King Saul.
Second, describe a time in your life where you have to show God's love and what was the impact and effect to you.
Read the Prayer of St. Francis and make it your everyday prayer this week:
For Discussion: Luke 6:32-42
1. Read Luke 6:27-36. Underline or mark some things that stand out to you. Read it again and notice:
- who, what, when and where
- repeated words or ideas
- what is compared or contrasted
2. Fill in the table based on Luke 6:27-30.
When people say.... Jesus says I should...
3. Looking at the first column in the table from question 2, what is the most natural way to react to each of
those people/situations? How does that compare with Jesus’ commands (the second column)?
4. Many ancient religions and codes of conduct had a version of the Golden Rule that went something like
this: “Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you.” How is Jesus’ instruction in Luke
6:31 slightly different from this?
5. Summarize the difference between how “sinners” love, do good, and lend and how Jesus’ followers are to
love, do good, and lend (Luke 6:32-35).
6. In Luke 6:29-34, Jesus seems to tell his followers they should be willing to be abused, deprived, and
taken advantage of. How do you feel about this?
7. God never gives us a command without also giving us a reason to obey it. According to Luke 6:32-36,
why should Jesus’ followers be willing to be treated this way? What is our motivation?
8. In Luke 6:35, Jesus says to “lend, expecting nothing in return,” but then he immediately promises a
reward. What does he mean, then, when he says “expect nothing in return?” Read Proverbs 19:17 before
answering.
9. Many people believe it is not noble to be motivated by rewards, and that you should do good to others
simply because it is the right thing to do. Based on what Jesus says in Luke 6:32-35, would he agree or
disagree with this kind of thinking? Explain.
10. In your own words, try to summarize what Jesus is really saying in Luke 6:27-36.
11. What do you need to believe about God in order to live like this?
Pray about these things.
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