Outline 3: How to Show Love and Consideration for Others

Use these lesson outlines in student living meetings with your tenants to help them learn apartment living principles to help them have positives living experiences at BYU-Idaho.

Show Love and Consideration for Others

Teach residents how to look for practical ways to love and serve their roommates.

Step 1: Ponder

Step 2: Discuss

Step 3: Activity

Step 4: Invite and Follow Up

Preparation

In preparation for this meeting, take time to read Mosiah 4:15-16 and ponder the following:

How can you excel in your role as a manager for your residents?
How can you show your love for your residents in practical ways?

Discussion Options

Select one of the options below to lead residents in a group discussion. This discussion will help residents identify how they can learn to love and serve their roommates in practical ways. As you prepare, consider additional questions that will enhance the discussion. Remember to allow residents time to think and participate.

Option 1
Option 2
Option 3

House versus Home

Read 1 John 3:16-18 and watch the video. Discuss the following questions:

What "House vs. Home" challenges do residents typically face in the apartment?
What makes your apartment feel like home?
What does "laying your lives down for your brethren" look like in your apartment?
Turn to your roomate or neighbor and plan three activities you and your roommates can do together this semester.

Love Requires Actions

Share the video and read John 8:3-11. Discuss the following quote and questions:
“True love requires action. We can speak of love all day long–we can write notes or poems that proclaim it, sing songs that praise it, and preach sermons that encourage it–but until we manifest that love in action, our words are nothing but sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” - 1 Corinthians 13:1; Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "You Are My Hands," Ensign, May 2010.

Think of a loved one who exemplifies charity. What specific things do they do to help you feel loved?
Elder Uchtdorf said, "True love requires action." What can love look like in your apartment?
What holds you back from manifesting love for your roomate(s)?
Invite residents to write down one thing they can do this week to show their love for their roommates. (Give them adequate time).

Value and Respect

Read the quote and discuss the questions:

“'Then Jesus beholding him loved him.' ... As I heard these words, a vivid image filled my mind of our Lord pausing and beholding this young man. Beholding—as in looking deeply and penetratingly into his soul, recognizing his goodness and also his potential, as well as discerning his greatest need."

(Palmer, Mark S. “Then Jesus Beholding Him Loved Him.” Ensign, vol. 47, no. 5, May 2017, pp.114-116. The Bible Authorized King James Version, 2013. Mark 10:21.)

How has a past roommate or friend helped you recognize your goodness and potential?
If Christ had your roommates, how would He treat them? What would He do for them?
Describe the ideal way you wish to be treated in your apartment.

Activity

The following activity is intended to help residents get to know each other. Choose one of the following activities.

"Get To Know Toss" - Write get-to-know-you questions on a ball or balloon and have the residents toss it around and answer the questions. This can be done as a whole or in smaller groups.
"2 Truths & 1 Lie" - In small groups, have each resident take turns sharing two truths and one lie. Then, have the rest of the groups guess which statement was the lie.
"Penny For Your Memories" - Collect pennies from different years. Have residents break into groups and give each resident a penny. Invite residents to share a memory from the year on the penny.

Invite and Follow Up

Invite everyone to pray for increased love for God and for their roommates. (You might tailor your invitation specifically to the discussion you have had.) Follow up in person, email, or text on their experiences.