Unit 2: Inclusive Love 🥰
Love & Devotion to Others | Bible Background: 1 Samuel 19:1-7; 23:1-18; 2 Samuel 9
Printed Text • 1 Samuel 19:1 – 7 | Devotional Reading • MATTHEW 5:43 – 48
AIM FOR CHANGE
By the end of this lesson, we will EXPLORE the story of Jonathan’s defense of David when David was opposed by Saul, LONG for love and justice within the family and beyond, and GROW in love and devotion for justice for others.
IN FOCUS
“Why are you always so much harder on Khai than me?” Dean asked. John was surprised by the question. He usually prided himself on how he treated the teenage boys equally, even though only Dean was his biological son. He showed up to their games equally; he bought them gifts of equal value; he spent equal time with each of them. But tonight when he talked with the boys about their report cards, his stepson Khai had exploded at him and stormed out. Dean continued, “You always rag on him for making bad grades, even when my grades are basically the same. He tries really hard in school, even in Advanced Physics, but it’s never enough for you.”
John was shocked that Dean would speak so bluntly to him. Usually, Dean was the sensible one, unlike Khai who… John realized what he was thinking. Maybe Dean was onto something. John promised Dean he would keep better watch on how he treated them. “I’m sorry Dean,” John said. “Please go get Khai so I can apologize to him, too.” It took a minute, but Dean convinced Khai to come back and speak with their dad. John told Khai how Dean had stood up for him. “Thanks, bro,” Khai said. “I’m glad you’ve got my back.”
When have you taken a stand for a friend or family member? How has a particularly deep friendship blessed your life?