Read: This week, re-read the story of the Good Samaritan three times. Read slowly, taking time to enter into the story with your imagination. Each time you re-read the story, imagine yourself as a different person from the story. 

• The man who was robbed

• The Samaritan

• One of the people who passed by without helping

As you imagine the story, imagine what it would be like to be that person. How did each character feel during the story? Why do you think they felt that way? What do you notice each time?

Reflect: What type of person do you view as hard to love, or not worth loving? Do they fall into a social, religious, or political category? 

In Sunday’s sermon, we were given some principles to loving others well:

• Consider others’ needs before your own

• Listen and understand before you speak

• Focus on what you’re for, not what you’re against

• Choose faith in God’s plan over fear of others

Which principles(s) would be most difficult for you? Why?

Which principle(s) do you think you already do well? What are some examples of this in your own life? 

What do you imagine would happen if you loved someone who you did not want to love?

Respond: This week, take a walk or drive around your neighborhood or town. As you do, ask the Holy Spirit to alert your heart to the people you struggle to love. Pay attention to the people around you. Look at them, and consider that God loves them too. Pray for each person you pass or encounter. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you concrete actions you can take to love the people in your community better.

When you get home, journal your answer to the following question: 

What do you imagine would happen if you loved someone who you did not want to love? What are your fears or possible bad outcomes? (Be honest!) What are some possible good outcomes?