Let Mutual Love Continue

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants answer, “What comes to your mind when you hear “mutual love?”

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16.

Story (option): Something unforgettable happened at the 2020/2024 General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. I don’t remember how it started, but I clearly remember the song - “Love Train” by The O’Jays.[1] Yes, I know it’s not in our hymnal, but somehow it caught on, and soon we sang together: “People all over the world (everybody), join hands, start a love train, love train.”

I invited Gaston, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, whom I had been sitting with during the conference, to join the dance line. I waved across the room at Kenia from Brazil, a friend I’ve known since college. During the dance, we were part of different “trains,” but soon our paths crossed. Then I spotted Earlie from the Philippines, someone I’ve seen at many church gatherings. She has a child around the same age as mine, and every time we meet, we exchange stories about how our kids are growing up. We laughed and swayed together as the music kept playing. That day, I danced with people from around the world—old friends and new friends, all United Methodists, all part of something bigger than ourselves.

Jesus taught us to love one another. And in that moment, it felt like love was moving through the room, from hand to hand, heart to heart. As Hebrews 13:1 says: “Let mutual affection continue.” “People all over the world, Join hands, Start a love train, love train.”

• When have you experienced the joy of Christian community across cultures or generations? What made that moment meaningful for you, and how did it reflect God's love?
• Why do you think hospitality to strangers is highlighted in verse 2? [Hospitality was a practical and spiritual act in early Christian communities. The verse suggests that by welcoming strangers, people may unknowingly host angels, reminding believers to treat others with dignity and openness.]
• “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” What do you think that means? How does that truth help you evaluate what is most important in a changing world?
• What does it mean to offer a “sacrifice of praise” in verse 15? [Worship is not limited to rituals but includes continual expressions of gratitude and praise to God, especially through the words we speak and sing.]
• How will you choose to let mutual love continue this week? Be specific—who will you show love to, and what will that look like? (examples: Practice hospitality by inviting someone new to coffee or a meal. Write a note of appreciation to a spiritual leader or mentor. Choose to praise God in a difficult situation. Share resources with someone in need.

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End with the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer: God of yesterday, today, and forever, we praise You for Your constant presence and faithful love. Fill us with compassion, courage, and creativity to love one another as You have loved us.

[1] Songwriters: Kenny Gamble / Leon Huff. Love Train lyrics © Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., Mijac Music.