“Love boldly by reflecting the grace, compassion, and mercy of Christ in everyday life.”
Love Boldly- Part A
A GROW Framework Lesson for Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church
Watch the Reel: Love Boldly
Why This Matters
Many people think love is only a feeling or being polite. Jesus teaches that real love is active, courageous, compassionate, and willing to serve when it costs something. Loving boldly can change homes, churches, workplaces, and communities.
G — Ground in Scripture
What the Bible Says
Key Scriptures
Luke 10:25–37 — The Good Samaritan
Leviticus 19:9–18 — Love your neighbor as yourself
Matthew 22:37–39 — Love God and love your neighbor
1 Corinthians 13:1–7 — The character of love
Key Truths
Jesus teaches that loving God and loving neighbor belong together.
In the story of the Good Samaritan, love was shown through action:
• He stopped
• He noticed suffering
• He crossed barriers
• He gave time and resources
• He stayed involved
Love is more than words. Love moves.
Definitions
Compassion — caring deeply enough to respond.
Neighbor — anyone God places in our path.
Boldly — with courage, strength, and confidence.
R — Reasons We Believe
Why We Believe It
Jesus Commanded It
Jesus called loving God and loving neighbor the greatest commandments.
Jesus Modeled It
Jesus welcomed the rejected, healed the hurting, and served sacrificially.
The Church Teaches It
Christian discipleship includes loving others through practical care. In the Wesleyan tradition, faith is lived through love in action.
Love Reflects God
God does not love halfway. God loves fully, faithfully, and sacrificially.
O — Obedience in Action
How to Apply It
- Be Interruptible
Real love often comes disguised as an interruption.
- Notice Wounds
Look for hidden pain:
• loneliness
• grief
• stress
• discouragement
• financial strain
- Go the Extra Mile
Do more than the minimum:
• follow up
• check again
• stay involved
• give generously
- Cross Barriers
Show kindness beyond comfort zones, preferences, or differences.
- Love God Wholeheartedly
Not only when convenient, but with heart, soul, mind, and strength.
W — Walk It Out
Reflect, Pray, Take the Next Step
Reflection Question 1
Where am I tempted to love only when it is easy?
Possible Answers:
• when I have extra time
• when people are thankful
• when it costs nothing
• when I already agree with them
Reflection Question 2
Who might be my neighbor this week?
Possible Answers:
• a struggling coworker
• a lonely family member
• a hurting friend
• someone overlooked
• someone difficult to love
Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach me to love boldly. Open my eyes to needs around me. Slow me down enough to notice, care, and respond. Give me courage to love with action, patience, and grace. Amen.
Take the Next Step
Choose one person this week to encourage, help, or serve in a practical way.
Related Lessons
• Discipleship in the UMC
• The Call
• Go Deeper
• Serve Joyfully
