Love Like Jesus.

Open Your Bible

Read and notice.

1. Luke 10:25–37 — Read the story often called the Good Samaritan.
2. John 13:34–35 — Notice what Jesus says should mark His followers.
3. James 2:1–4 — Look for the warning about treating people differently because of status or appearance.

1

Love notices the person others pass by.

In Jesus’ story, a wounded man is left beside the road. People who might have been expected to help pass him by. Then a Samaritan stops.

The Samaritan does not simply feel sorry. He gets involved in a helpful way. He cares for wounds, provides transportation, and makes sure the man receives continued care.

Love sees and acts.

At school, that could mean noticing the child who is left out, refusing to laugh when someone is embarrassed, helping a new student understand where to go, or telling an adult when someone is being seriously bullied.

2

Love does not decide value by popularity.

James warns believers not to honor wealthy or impressive people while treating others as less important.

Children experience this too. It can be easy to treat someone differently because of clothing, athletic ability, grades, disability, family background, race, language, popularity, or whether they seem “cool.”

Every person has God-given dignity. Loving someone does not mean you have to become best friends with everyone. It means you refuse to treat someone as worthless.

3

Love is more than being nice.

Being polite is good, but biblical love goes deeper. Love can be patient and kind. Love can also tell the truth.

If a friend wants you to help them cheat, love does not say yes just to keep them happy. If someone is hurting another child, love may mean getting help rather than staying silent.

Sometimes the loving choice is difficult.

4

Love and boundaries can exist together.

Jesus teaches us to love people, but love does not mean allowing someone to hurt you, threaten you, touch you inappropriately, demand secrets, or control you.

You may forgive someone and still need distance. You may care about a person and still tell a trusted adult about unsafe behavior.

5

Love can be practiced in small things.

Most days do not bring dramatic opportunities like the road in the Good Samaritan story. Love often looks ordinary:

• listening instead of interrupting,
• sharing fairly,
• including someone,
• helping at home,
• encouraging instead of teasing,
• praying for another person,
• telling the truth gently,
• apologizing when you are wrong,
• refusing gossip,
• giving someone time to learn.

Small acts can show the character of Jesus.

Let’s Think About It

Love is practical and safe.

A new child joins your class and speaks quietly because they are still learning English. Refuse to join jokes, speak kindly, help them understand what is happening, include them where appropriate, and tell an adult if teasing becomes bullying.

A friend asks you to keep a secret about someone hurting them. You can care about your friend and explain that some secrets need trusted adult help. Getting help is not betrayal when someone may be unsafe.

Talk About It

Questions for a child and trusted adult.

1. What did the Samaritan do that showed compassion?
2. Why do you think Jesus chose a Samaritan as the helpful person in the story?
3. What are some ways children get treated unfairly because of labels or status?
4. How can love tell the truth instead of simply saying yes to everything?
5. What is the difference between kindness and allowing unsafe behavior?
6. Name one small act of love you could practice this week.
7. How did Jesus show love to people who were overlooked?

Memory Verse

John 13:34–35

Learn these verses from the Bible translation your family, church, or class uses. Talk about how Jesus connects love with being known as His disciples.