Love ONE ANOTHER
God created some animals to be pack animals, and to live together in groups for survival, like a pack of wolves, a pods of dolphins, a caravan of camels or a tower of giraffes.
Some animals God has made to be happy on their own, and only find others of their kind to have a family. The snow leopard is like this, so is the giant panda. They are known as solitary animals.
God has made us to be relational. He has made humans to enjoy being a part of a “pack” or “mob” or “family.” What collective noun do you like using? Ted likes using “bunch” all the time. I am a bit more boring and use the term “group.” What do you say when referring to a collection of people?
I know some people like being amongst people more than others - Lucy is an extravert and gets recharged by being with others, whereas Ted recharges when he is alone in his room with his computer or a book. But he still needs to be with people for some parts of the day.
Being part of a big group means getting along. It is important to be kind, putting up with others, loving… We need to not be violent or aggressive or dominating. Some people in groups demand control and power and others can be manipulative and sneaky.
Communities/mobs/families/groups work well when everybody shows love to one another. Love your neighbour, as some versions say.
Bible Passage: John 13:34-35
Jesus said, “But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.”
What do you think?
If you aim to love others and accidentally do something that upsets someone, how you think that they will respond?
If you aim to look after yourself and accidentally do something that upsets someone, how do you think they will respond?
For example, you buy your friend a birthday gift they like, but when they open it is broken because you accidentally dropped it. How you think that they will respond?
You buy your friend a birthday gift you know that they won’t like but you will, like tickets to see your favourite band rather than their favourite band. How you think that they will respond?
Our intentions are important and can be seen. When we intend to love, people can see it. Just trying is important.
If you can’t do a job because you are too small, just try. Like doing laundry maybe. It's the effort and the intentions that are important.
Bible Passage: 1 Peter 4:8
"Most important of all, you must sincerely love each other, because love wipes away many sins.”
Bible Passage: Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up trouble; love overlooks the wrong that others do.”
What God thinks about when he sees us is about our hearts. Many people can see if our hearts and intentions are good too.
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 16:7
God says, ”People judge others by what they look like, but I judge people by what is in their hearts.”
Do you have a loving heart?
It takes a lot of practise to stop thinking about your own needs all the time and to start thinking about others sometimes, but with practise, you can get into the habit.
What is love?
Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
"Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. Love never fails!”
Love is thinking of others.
Love is forgiving.
Love is being honest.
Love is being good, kind, caring.
In the same situation there could be a number of different loving things you could do. If someone you know is sick, you could do all kinds of things and all would be great.
Story Time!
Ted and Lucy used to fight all the time about everything. Bicker, annoy, irritate, disagree… On our trip around Australia 4 years ago they were nice to each other for just one afternoon and it was amazing.
Now they are nice to each other all the time. They helped each other at the uniform shop just yesterday. They cook for each other, chat about their day, listen to one another, laugh and remind each other of things for school. Like Lucy and Ted, with practise and maturity, we can grow in our love for one another, even our siblings!
Question Time!
When you are in a group of people, or your family, what is one thing that you do that is really loving towards that group?
When you’re with others, what is something that you think you could do better in a way of loving others?
