week 4, day 22 ::: wednesday, january 30, 2008

What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.Journal.YearbookOrPhotoAlbum

Pick up your Bible and read John 4:4. In this story Jesus is headed through Samaria. No big deal, right? Wrong. Jesus was headed through the country of the enemy—Jews hated Samarians, and Samarians hated Jews. In this story we see Jesus reaching out to outsiders. Are there any people like this in your school? Probably so.

Reaching out to outsiders is tough. Why? Discomfort? Fear? Lack of confidence? Reflect on these questions:

1. When was the last time you reached out to someone, to invite someone to a party, to help someone to a math test, or invite someone to youth group or church?
2. What was that situation like?
3. Jot a few words or draw an image that reminds you of this experience.

Now look at what you wrote or drew. Now add God to the picture. How would your feelings be different if you were confident that you were reaching out to someone because you love God so much you can’t help but welcome others—no matter what the situation is? One of the central values of the Christian faith is welcoming the stranger—are you faithful in this way?

We all care for others in different ways. Sometimes we can learn how we care for others by reflecting on ways you feel cared for.

1. What makes you feel most cared for?
2. How can you care for others in this way?
3. What do you absolutely love to do in your free time?
4. How can you use that passion to share God’s love with others?

Grab your yearbook and look at the faces of your classmates, praying for each one. How can you be a witness to these people?