Jesus & Loving Others: Lesson 2

Dear Parents,

We just finished our second lesson in the Bible study series Jesus and Loving Others. Remember last week we talked about the great commandment where Jesus lifted up the idea of loving God and loving others. This week we shifted focus to loving those who may be difficult to love. It’s a hard teaching, for sure, but one Jesus was pretty straightforward about. Your teenager was challenged to consider those people in his or her life who may be tough to love, and to consider ways to show these individuals the love of Christ.

Here are the Scriptures that were used in this week’s lesson:

• Matthew 5:43-48
• Romans 13:8-10 

Please take a few minutes this week to read these passages.


Next Steps...

Loving those who are mean or hateful, especially if that hate is directed at us, is difficult at best. Jesus loved those who hated Him. We’re told to do the same. Here are some ideas to help engage your teenager in the conversation about loving the unlovable:

• Ask your teenager if he or she can think of some unlovable people in their life right now. Ask why he or she would classify that person as unlovable. 
• Ask what is the easiest thing to do in regards to people who make it difficult to love them. Engage in a discussion about why loving these people is so difficult. 
• Guide your teenager to consider why Jesus wanted us to love those who are tough to love. (Answers might include because His love is perfect, because His love is the only thing that can change that person, or because God wants to teach us something through loving others.) 
• Be ready to share your experiences with loving difficult people and share some ideas that helped you show love to those who are hard to love. Especially point out that this kind of love can only be shown through the power of God’s Holy Spirit living in us. 

Continue to pray for our group as we continue this study. I will send you another update next week.


COMING UP...
Combo “Fuel” / HSM Room @ 6:30pm*Wed, Nov 2 – Astronaut/Pilot - Jim Dutton
*Wed, Nov 9 – Eric Peters Concert

Fall Retreats*HSM / Nov 4-5, 2016 @ Camp Copass, Denton, TX
*MSM / Nov 11-13, 2016 @ Sky Ranch, Van, TX

Jesus & Loving Others: Lesson 1

Dear Parents,

This week your teenager studied the first lesson in our four-part series entitled Jesus and Loving Others. The main point this week centered on Jesus’ teaching, referred to as the Greatest Commandment, that to love God and to love others is the true fulfillment of the heart of God’s law. Jesus was very adamant that loving others should be one of the key elements in the life of a Christian, second only to loving God! The students were challenged to really evaluate their lives and see how this concept fleshes out in their day-to-day living.

We looked at the following Scripture passages:

• Matthew 22:34-40 
• 1 John 3:10 

Next Steps...
Each week your teenager will be challenged to apply what he or she has learned. You can help your teenager continue to apply the Bible to daily life by taking some time to engage him or her in conversation using the following ideas:
See if your teenager remembers what Jesus said was the greatest commandment. Ask why he or she thinks Jesus put so much emphasis on loving other people.
Help your teenager consider how the concept of loving others can start in your home. What are some areas in which your teenager already thrives? Where does your teenager need to work on this a little more?
See if your teenager can think of any ways “loving others” can be practiced in daily life such as through church ministry projects, mission trips, or individual efforts. Offer to help with any idea your teenager may have.


COMING UP...
“Breaking Free” Youth Choir Begins / Teen Parents Study @ 5pm / Sun, October 30th*Students discover location of next summer’s mission trip
*HSM Student Bible Study finishes up @ 4pm (Missed last week due to movie)

Trunk or Treat / October 31st*Student ministry/family project
*5:30pm / Set up & cooking hot dogs
*6:30-8:30pm / Trunk or Treat & Bounce House Games
*If donating a package of hot dog buns/weenies please bring by this Sun, October 30

Combo “Fuel” / HSM Room @ 6:30pm*Wed, Nov 2 – Astronaut/Pilot - Jim Dutton
*Wed, Nov 9 – Eric Peters Concert

Fall Retreats*HSM / Nov 4-5, 2016 @ Camp Copass, Denton, TX
*MSM / Nov 11-13, 2016 @ Sky Ranch, Van, TX