One of the most frequently quotes sayings from the Bible is “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself.” Other religions and even non-religious people believe and practice this powerful principle. Unfortunately, it is easier quoted than done. In this second week of our series, Relationship Goals, we’ll see how we can overcome the common barriers to loving our family, friends, neighbor and coworkers and how Jesus taught that loving people who are different than us was like loving him directly. 

Groups Discussion Guide

To view a .docx version of this guide, click here.

Introduction 

Welcome, everyone! Last week, we focused on having a flourishing relationship with God. How did that go for you throughout the week? Were you able to connect with God in a new way through one of the suggestions Pastor Jason gave us: 1. Attending church and inviting friends, 2. Joining a life group, 3. Serving, and 4. Personal Spiritual Practices. Share with the group about your experience. 

After you have connected, begin your meeting with prayer.  

Key Verse for the Week  

*Read this verse, then encourage the practice of memorization through the week. 

*Matthew 22:37–39 is the foundation for this three-week sermon series, Relationship Goals. Last week we memorized the first part of the verse, let’s add a new section! 

“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor…” Matthew 22:37-39

**When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us. 

Connect   

• Think about someone who has had a positive impact on your life. What did they do that made such a difference? 
• Share a recent interaction with someone that made you feel appreciated or valued.  

Opening Thought  

Good relationships require more than just good intentions; they require action. Like tending a garden, cultivating strong connections with others involves regular care and sometimes even hard work. Without intentionality, our relationships suffer, but there are simple, everyday actions that can strengthen our relationships with others.

Big idea for the week  
We can be intentional in strengthening our relationships. 

Unpack 

Go around your group and have someone read each of the following verses, then discuss the connected questions.  

Our memory verse for this week is: “Love your neighbor.” When Jesus used the word “neighbor,” he was referring to anyone close to you—family, friends, people in your social group, and people you associate with at work, school, or church. We can think of our neighbors as our “people.” As you read the following verses, keep your people in mind. 

Read  

In this passage, Jesus is referring to himself as the King. 

Matthew 25:34-40 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ 

Unpack

• What do these verses teach us about Jesus? What do they teach us about how we act toward the people we interact with as followers of Jesus?  
• Can you think of any relationships in your life that are difficult to show these kinds of actions towards? What is it about those relationships that make them complicated? Do you think Jesus gives us a pass in those relationships because they’re complicated? What would Jesus tell you to do to nurture these relationships? 
• What are some small, practical acts of kindness we can offer to the people around us? 
• In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” What do you think happens in your relationship with Jesus through the process of nurturing relationships with the people around you?  

Read  

James 3:13-18 “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”

Unpack 

• The author of the book of James speaks specifically about jealousy and selfish ambition. What are some other feelings or personal differences that can hold us back from improving the relationships in our lives?  
• What guidance does this passage provide for nurturing healthy relationships? What role does asking God for wisdom currently play in your life?  
• Discuss the impact that gentleness and a willingness to yield to others can have on your relationships.

Apply 

Based on the verses we just read, and Sunday’s message, there are some things that we can do in response. Take a moment to discuss these questions as a group to decide what your personal action steps for the week can be: 

• Identify a relationship you want to strengthen. What is one actionable step you can take this week to improve this relationship? Whatever that actionable step is, pray and ask God to give you the bravery and wisdom you need to follow through. 
• Consider setting a daily reminder to perform a small act of kindness or appreciation for someone in your life. 
• How can the group specifically be praying for you this week throughout this process?  

Closing 

As we conclude today’s discussion, let’s remember that each small effort to connect with others not only enriches our own lives but also reflects our love for God. By acting intentionally in our relationships, we live out the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. 

Prayer 

Let’s share any additional prayer requests that you have.  

Daily Devotional Verses  

Use the S.O.A.P. method to reflect on the verses below. 

Scripture: Read the verses several times. Reading out loud can be helpful as well. 
Observation: What can you see about the scripture you read? 
Application: What is God wanting you to believe, do, or feel, based on what you have read? 
Prayer: This is a chance to talk to God about what you have read and ask him for help in living out what you’ve learned. 

• Day 1: 1 John 4:11 
• Day 2: Romans 12:10 
• Day 3: Proverbs 17:17 
• Day 4: 1 Peter 4:8 
• Day 5: Colossians 3:13 
• Day 6: John 15:12-13