All people are created in God’s image, which means all people are valuable in God’s eyes.
Talking Points:
- The first part of Jesus’s greatest commandment is to love God with our all. It is this love that move us toward the second commandment: loving our neighbors as ourselves. Matthew 22:36-40
- People have a natural tendency to love themselves and their own people or communities before they are willing to love people who are different. All people are created in God’s image, which means all people are valuable in God’s eyes. Genesis 1:26-27
- On some level we are all victims, but we cannot adopt a “victim mentality.” We must transcend our circumstances and histories, but we also cannot dismiss wrongdoing, especially when it continually occurs. Luke 10:25-37
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Have you ever benefited from the unwarranted kindness and provision of another person or family? Explain.
- Have you, your parents, or your grandparents ever been threatened for wanting to buy gas, groceries, or some other need? Explain.
- Read Matthew 22:36-40. What does it mean to “love your neighbor as yourself?” Give a practical example of how this has looked in your life or how it might look in the future.
- We have a natural tendency to love ourselves and our own people before we love those who are different. Why do you think this is? How can we show value to those who are different from us?
- Read Luke 10:30-37. Samaritans were racially different from Jews, but priests and Levites were pureblood Jews. How does this detail affect our understanding of the story of the Good Samaritan? Who are your neighbors that deserve care and attention from you?
- In your opinion, what are some practical steps the Church can take to love more and to stand up to injustices?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
This is part 2 of 3 in the Steps to Racial Healing series.
