Love Boldly
Why This Matters
Many people think love is simply a feeling or being polite. But Jesus teaches that real love is active, courageous, and willing to serve when it costs something. Loving boldly can change homes, churches, 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
Matthew 22:37–39 — Love God and neighbor
1 Corinthians 13:1–7 — The nature 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 used time and resources
- He stayed involved
Love is more than words. Love moves.
Definitions
Compassion — caring deeply enough to respond.
Neighbor — not only those near us, but anyone in need.
Boldly — with courage, strength, and confidence.
R — Reasons We Believe
Why Christians Believe This
Jesus Commanded It
Jesus called loving God and neighbor the greatest commandments.
Jesus Modeled It
Jesus healed the hurting, welcomed the rejected, and served sacrificially.
The Church Has Always Taught It
Christian discipleship includes both personal holiness and caring for others. In the Wesleyan tradition, faith is lived through love in action.
Love Reflects God’s Character
God does not love halfway. God loves fully, faithfully, and sacrificially.
O — Obedience in Action
How to Apply It
Love boldly this week by:
1. Be Interruptible
Pause when someone needs help. Real love often arrives as an interruption.
2. Notice Wounds
Look for hidden pain:
- loneliness
- grief
- stress
- financial strain
- discouragement
3. Go the Extra Mile
Do more than the minimum:
- follow up
- check again
- stay involved
- give generously
4. Cross Barriers
Show kindness beyond comfort zones, preferences, or differences.
5. 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 grateful
- 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 relative
- 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.
