Orthodox Christian Retreat Curriculum On Love

G.O.Y.A. Discussion Guide

Intro:

Retreat on LOVE

1. Understanding God’s love for us:

Feb 17, 2007

2. Learning to love ourselves:

3. Loving our neighbors

What would be a good definition for love? When we as Orthodox Christians talk about love, we can refer back to the Greek language. Do you know in Greek there are four different forms of “love?” Parental love (storgyi), friendship love (filia), passionate love willing to die for (eros), and perfect, divine, and selfless love. (agape) In all of these forms, love is not merely an emotion or feeling. LOVE IS AN ACTION. When people asked Jesus what was the greatest of all the commandments, He said to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Then, the second greatest commandment Christ said is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” These are very specific and real ways in which we can respond. To LOVE takes not only the divine flame in our heart, but the willingness to respond and do something. There are many ways we go about showing love, to our God, to ourselves, and to our neighbor. Let’s watch how characters from the Simpson’s try to love. Try to find examples because we we break up to discuss the episode afterward. Activity:

Watch Simpson’s episode on Valentine’s Day

Break up into Small Groups:

(Possible Answers)

Ask:

Who can give us a quick summary of what happened in the episode?

Ask:

Now, let’s get specific. What did Lisa try to do? How did she feel when she saw Ralph? Which of the four loves did she try to put into action?

Ask:

How would you describe Ralph? Did he love himself? How do you know?

Ask:

Because Ralph was feeling down, how did he respond to Lisa’s attention?

Ask:

Do you think Lisa become a replacement for God in Ralph’s life? How so?

(Love thy neighbor) (Pity, Compassion) (Sad, alone, low self esteem) (He didn’t believe he was worth much) (Lisa made Ralph feel better So he wanted to be around her. Is this using a person for selfish reasons?)

(Ralph directed all of his attention to Lisa. Lisa sort of saved Ralph from his misery. Read 1st commandment out loud and substitute names when God is used: “Love your God/girlfriend/ boyfriend with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.)

Ask:

Where did Lisa and Ralph go for help? (parents) What advice did they get? Did you agree with it? (Marge gave Lisa advice at kitchen table she tried) (Homer said ignore you conscience) (Ralph’s dad said be persistent and made deal with teacher)

Ask:

What finally happened? Who got hurt?

(Lisa embarrassed Ralph and was regretful) (Ralph was devastated & humiliated in public)

Ask:

What did they learn?

(Decision to be friends) (Ralph gained healthier self confidence) (Lisa picked different card to give Ralph)

Summary:

Usually, until we know ourselves and know God’s love for us, romantic relationships with other people can be painful and confusing. We may have good intentions but we hurt each other. If we look to learn and grow from these experiences, God will teach us many things. Remember: Only God’s love is perfect. His love isn’t selfish. It is completely free. His love is self-sacrificing and forgiving. God’s love is patient, it’s not arrogant, or rude. Our challenge is to learn what His perfect love is so that we can love ourselves, and then be able to extend this perfect love to others. How can I give what I don’t have? If I don’t obtain God’s love first, then I won’t be able to give it. He is the source we need to plug into. We receive all things from Him. Then THIS is where LOVE = ACTION.

Ask:

What are some other examples of how love acts?

• • • • • • •

Christ says, “If you love me……. Feed my sheep!” Do my work, imitate me! Follow and live out commandments Learn how to pray and then pray daily Sacrifice yourself for others Stand up for what is right Protect the innocent Forgive, 70 x 7

Examples from Lives of the Saint’s: St Myron the Wonderworker, Bishop of Crete (350) – He was a widowed farmer who, though poor, shared the produce of his farm freely with the needy. Once he found some thieves stealing his grain. Without saying who he was, he helped the theieves fill their sacks and make their escape. His virtue became known, and he was ordained to the priesthood, then consecrated a bishop. St Dionysius the New of Zakynthos (1624) – He was born to pious and wealthy parents, but he gave away all his wealth and worldly honors to enter monastic life. One day, the murdered of the Saint’s own brother, fleeing the law and the members of the victim’s family, arrived at the monastery and begged Dionysius for asylum, little knowing to whom he was speaking. The Saint learned the reason of the man’s flight, and Dionysius resisted with all his strength his natural grief and the temptation to avenge the crime. Imitating Christ, who pardoned his enemies and prayer for His persecutors, Dionysius received the fugitive with compassion, comforted him, exhorted him to repent, and hid him. When the authorities came looking for the man, Dionysius did not reveal where he was. Afterward, Saint Dionysius sent the fugitive away with money for his journey to work at the salvation of his soul. These are the examples we have to follow of love, in action! Close with Forgiveness Vespers Service.