Linchpin Part 4: "Love People"

In week 4 of the Linchpin series, the backstory of the Good Samaritan parable gives us some understanding into how God views us, and why it is so important for us to intentionally love others. God’s love for us is not a passive emotion, it is active and living and so should our love be for all others around us, no matter how busy we make our lives. Key verses: Luke 10:25-37, Leviticus 19:9-18, 1 John 3:16-18 1. Who is “testing” Jesus in this story? Why does his profession matter? What does it seem like the lawyer’s motivation was? Have you been guilty of judging others or looking for other ways to “justify” yourself? 2. In Leviticus 19:9-18, we see that there are some specific ways that God expects His people to love each other. What are some of those ways? What are the ones that you struggle with the most? 3. The parable of the Good Samaritan is often discussed in the church. Did you get any new information about the story that you didn’t know before or that was surprising to you? 4. Jake talked about the four things that love requires in this story: time, compassion, action, and expense. Discuss how each of those things are shown in the story. Again, which of these are most difficult for you and why? 5. What is the difference between compassion and the agape love of God? What are some real life examples of the action that show real love to those around you? Think about in your home, neighborhood, church, city, and globally. 6. Chris Jerger said, “Our act of charity is stewardship of His love moment by moment.” What does that mean to you or how would you say it in your own words? 7. Discuss a time in your life that love has cost you something, or that someone loving you has cost them. Was the cost worth it to you, or do you think it was worth it to them? 8. What are some ways that you can “go and do likewise” this week? How can you put this into real action in the foreseeable future?