The Rule Worth Following

David C Cook COVID-19 Response

Middle School

Lesson 11
Summer 2020
By: RLD Editorial Team
August 16, 2020

Lesson Focus:

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Bible Basis:

Luke 6:31-38; Matthew 7:1-5

Materials Needed:

Step 1:

Internet access

Step 4:

Internet access

Summary & Links:

Students will discuss living by the Golden Rule.

Memory Verse:

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
—Luke 6:31

Students will discuss living by the Golden Rule.

Materials Needed:

Internet access

Open today’s group time by asking students if they know “The Golden Rule.” Have your class recite it together:

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Let students know that they already know today’s memory verse from Luke 6:31!

Do you know people who treat others well? How do they make you feel? (Invite discussion. When people are kind and respectful of others, they are typically pleasant people to be around.)

Living out the Golden Rule is more than just being kind or polite to other people (although that’s important!). It also means helping and serving people.

Play the video for the class [1:49]:
Pandemic Pay It Forward

How did Emily (from the video) live out the Golden Rule? (She served others with time and money. Even though she could have found plenty of things to do with the extra money, she chose to help people in need.)

How do you see other people impact the world by following “The Golden Rule” from Luke 6:31? (Allow students to answer as time allows.)

Let’s look further at how we can live out “The Golden Rule” found in the Bible and see what today’s lesson has to say about how we should treat one another.

Looking for Steps 2 & 3?

You can find Steps 2 and 3 in your teacher’s guide. To purchase a teacher’s guide, please visit: Bible-in-Life or Echoes.

Materials Needed:

Internet access

Many religions have mottos similar to “The Golden Rule.” Jesus, however, takes His instruction further in Luke 6:31 when He says to love your enemies and lend without expecting repayment.

How might a Christian be able to do these things? (Answers will vary. Invite interaction. Remind students of the Holy Spirit who lives in all Christians and the power He has to help.)

Discuss:

In Luke 6:37-38 and Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus tells us not to judge others. Are kids at your school judged? What are they judged for? (Give students a chance to share about generic situations they encounter. Encourage students as they tell stories to not name any names to protect the kids involved.)
How might the world around you change if all Christians loved their enemies, lent money without expecting repayment, and stopped judging others? (Invite discussion.)
Why might these things be hard to do? (It isn’t easy to love people who don’t love you in return.)
Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” How could you incorporate this verse this week as you seek to live out “The Golden Rule?” (Invite interaction.)
Showing kindness to others, especially our enemies, can take on many forms. How might you strive to live this way this week? (Invite students to share one way they will do this. Challenge students to follow through.)

Use the following video as a prayer to close your group time. Remind students that Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Christian man who lived out “The Golden Rule” and sought to unite all people. Encourage students to let the words of Marin Luther King, Jr. echo their own thoughts and actions as they seek to spread love, not hate, and bring about God’s kingdom by following the Golden Rule this week.

Share the following video with your students [2:22]:
Martin Luther King- love your enemies

Take time to reach out to your students this week by email or text. Let them know you are thinking of them and find out how you can pray for them.

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David C Cook COVID-19 Response

Middle School