The Bible Verse:  Matthew 22:37-39

Good News Translation

37 Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and the most important commandment. 39 The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’

Gather in a circle on the floor or around the dinner table.  Read the Bible verse and talk about its meaning.  Ask everyone if they have examples of things that have made them feel loved.  (Surprises, hugs, favorite foods, seeing someone special, birthdays, etc.) 

Then ask, who is our neighbor?  Do you think Jesus meant that someone needs to live next door? 

Talk about those especially who may like to hear that they are loved.  (Those living alone, church friends, someone in the hospital, missed friends at school, etc.)

Talk about ways for your family to show love to one person or several.  Ideas can include homemade cards, letters, phone calls, phone chats, cookies left on a porch, etc.  Plan together how and when you will reach out to someone.

Afterwards, check in to see how everyone felt about what happened.  Maybe you will want to do this regularly as a family with those you are Called to Love. 

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