Topic of the Month–Inclusive Love This unit has four sessions that center on love for the stranger, the poor, and enemies as well as divine love reflected in human life. First Samuel shows David’s love for others. Luke explores the teachings of Jesus regarding love for one’s enemies and Jesus’ parable of the good Samaritan. First Corinthians explores the sermon on love from Paul’s writing, which depicts the height of human love coming from divine love.

 

October 4—Love that Intercedes: 1 Samuel 19:1-7 Although families are important, family dysfunction can skew our priorities and lead us to ruin. Is there a greater priority than family? Jonathan opposed the unjust intentions of his father, King Saul, in order to offer support and protection to David.

 

October 11—Love for Enemies: Luke 6:27-36 How should we respond to our enemies? Jesus taught his disciples to love their enemies by forgiving them and responding to their needs with concrete acts of love.

 

October 18—Love for Neighbors: Luke 10:25-37 Selfish desires, self-gratification, and self-interest are highly valued in our time. How can we become better neighbors to one another? Jesus challenges us to address the needs and welfare of everyone, including perceived enemies.

 

October 25—Love Never Fails: 1 Corinthian 13:1-13 Special gifts such as knowledge and wisdom can easily make us lose sight of our obligations to others. How can we avoid being forgetful of others? Paul suggested that love is the best way to relate to others and forget one’s own status.

Thanks and God bless