Do to Others

Note to the Teacher

The key phrase in this Scripture (for this lesson) is “Love your enemies.” The Icebreaker invites youth to love through listening. The Discussion encourages conversation about loving even when we’re hurt. The Activity allows youth to explore loving and forgiving. Times, based on a 55-minute lesson period, can be adjusted.

Did You Hear Me? (A Twist on 'Telephone') (15 minutes)

Begin by playing a traditional game of "telephone" where one person whispers a sentence to the next. They should do this while sitting in a circle.

Round 1 – Each player makes a statement in a confusing manner to the group. This might be mumbling, adding a nonsensical word, or saying the phrase too quietly. The next person attempts to repeat it, leading to humorous misunderstandings.

Round 2 – Players share emotional prompts (e.g., feeling misunderstood) while others listen and respond with encouragement, fostering understanding despite potential confusion.

Round 3 – In scenarios involving communication struggles (e.g., a friend venting), players act out their roles and others listen patiently, aiming to acknowledge feelings rather than solve issues.

Final Round – Silent Listening Challenge – One player shares a personal story quietly while others listen without immediate response. At the end, the players who did not share have the opportunity to express their interpretations, highlighting the value of thoughtful listening and reflection.

Option 1:

If playing with a large group, break into two or three smaller groups.

Option 2:

For an even harder twist, instead of having everyone facing each other in a circle, have the circle face outward and try the same rounds.

Read Scripture (5 minutes)

Our Scripture reading today may be familiar to you. Take a breath. Ready yourself to imagine your role in the story.

Luke 6:27-38

Discussion (15 minutes)

• What part of this passage seemed the most challenging to you?
• Are you already doing anything that Jesus calls his followers to do from this passage? Can you tell us about it? How does doing those things make you feel?
• Can you remember a time when someone was unfair to you or caused you pain? Why do you think it can be difficult to be kind to those who have hurt us?
• How often do you think people at school or in your friend group feel as if they're being judged? Can you think of specific ways you could show kindness or understanding instead of judging them? How do you think that might change your friendships?
• Why do you think Jesus encourages us to give without expecting anything back?

Activity and Discussion (20 minutes)

Take this lesson to the next level by involving students’ hands and imaginations. Start by reading Luke 6:27-38 aloud, highlighting the main ideas: “love your enemies,” “give to anyone who asks,” and “treat others how you want to be treated.” Then, ask everyone to take a moment to write down one way they can show love or forgiveness this week. They should keep their answers private and fold the paper. Next, give each person a small token to hold. Invite them to think of it as a symbol of their commitment to love, forgive, or give generously.

Invite each person to come forward and place their paper in a bowl. As they do this, they can share their intention or simply say, “I give love” or “I forgive.”

After everyone has added their paper, remind participants to hold their token as a reminder that even the smallest actions contribute to a bigger sense of love and grace.

Points for discussion:

1. Think about how every act of love, forgiveness, and generosity you’ve shown here could create a ripple effect beyond this room. Kindness can spill over into our communities, affecting others in ways we might never notice.
2. Sometimes, the toughest person to forgive is oneself, and the hardest to love is the person we see in the mirror. Take a moment to think about one way you can show kindness to yourself, and let that kindness extend to your relationships with others.

TOTAL TIME: 55 Minutes

NEEDED RESOURCES:

• Index cards
• Pens
• A bowl or basket
• A small token for each student