Love People
Week 3
René Schlaepfer
Part of Seven Verses Jesus Loved
March 16, 2025

Download Printable Notes (open in browser)

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“Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ And the second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Mark 12:29-31

“All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:40

This became one of the most-quoted sayings of Jesus in the New Testament (See Gal. 5:14; James 2:8; Romans 13:8-9) and by early Christian leaders. This radically transformed the world.

But loving people is hard.
But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied with a story… (See Luke 10:28-35)

“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. Luke 10:36

To love my neighbor…

  1. I need to

    Problem: Good people can always find good reasons to

    .

    What keeps me from stopping?
    • Unbalanced


    • Uncontrolled
    • Undernourished

  2. I need to

    “A Jewish man was traveling…” Luke 10:30

    “Then a despised Samaritan came along…” Luke 10:33

  3. I need to

    The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’” Luke 10:35

    Jesus has already established the value of everyone you meet. (1 Peter 1:18–19, 2 Cor. 5:15-16)

    Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” Luke 10:37b

    The “Good Samaritan” parable is not describing special

    behavior.
    It is describing normal behavior.

Ask yourself:
For whom do I need to

?
What do I need to break through?
What is Jesus asking me to pay?

Outline adapted from “The One Who Stopped Walking” sermon by Jamey Dickens, July 5, 2020, Northpoint Church, Atlanta

QUESTIONS

For personal reflection or group discussion

  1. Read Mark 12:29-31. How would you summarize Jesus’ answer? How is this the right answer for all the ways you seek God’s guidance on various decisions today? Ask God to help you see all your decisions through the grid of loving God and loving people.

  2. Read 1 Peter 1:18–19. If the value of something is based on what someone else is willing to pay for it, what does that passage say about your value and the value of everyone you meet today? How does Paul respond to this idea in 2 Corinthians 5:15-16? How does this change how you see others?

  3. What tempts you to abandon Jesus’ commandment to love your neighbor?

  4. Read Luke 10:25–37. To love your neighbors well, for whom do you need to stop? What barrier do you need to break through? What price is Jesus asking you to pay?

PEOPLE’S PANTRY

TLC feeds hundreds of people each week for free! Can you bring any of these items to the lobby barrels when you come to church?

NEEDED MOST:

1 lb. bags of rice
Cold cereal (please no sugary cereals)
15oz. cans of chili, veggies, soups, beans (black, pinto, refried)

ALSO HELPFUL:
Peanut butter or jam
Canned tuna, chicken, fruit, spaghetti sauce
Salad dressing and cooking oils
Nuts
Pasta or ramen
Household items like soap (dish, laundry, hand), paper goods

At the moment we DO NOT NEED egg cartons. Clean paper grocery bags with handles are welcomed. Thank you so much for helping this vital ministry! For info contact robin@tlc.org.

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THIS WEEKEND

MEMBERSHIP CLASS
If you’re considering making TLC your home, this fun class is for you! Join us Sunday 3/16, 12:15-1:45pm. Sign up at tlc.org/membership

ADHD PARENTS’ SUPPORT GROUP
TLC is kicking off a new support group for parents raising children with ADHD. Find community and connection with other parents who are navigating the same joy and challenges. This group is geared toward parents of children in the elementary and junior high age group. The first monthly meeting is Sunday 3/16, 12:30pm. Kids program is available. Sign up at tlc.org/supportgroups Questions? Email care@tlc.org.

ADVENTURES IN PARENTING
*Sunday 3/16*, 11am–12:15pm in 9101 (next to Loft Coffee). More info at tlc.org/parentadventure. Our next Parenting Seminar with Tina Ratliff will guide young parents in understanding and setting healthy boundaries for themselves and their families, to navigate relationships with confidence and clarity.

NEXT WEEKEND

WELCOME LUNCH

New to TLC or want to take that next step to get connected or involved? Join us Sunday 3/23, 12:15–1:15pm in 9101 (next to Loft Coffee). Free lunch!

GET CONNECTED:
• Need Prayer? tlc.org/prayer
• To Give: tlc.org/give
• Weekly newsletter: tlc.org/newsletter