Start Here (Practice)

Welcome to practice!!!

Why Practice?

The goal is not to introduce NEW ideas, but to go deeper in application with the existing spiritual learning from the month.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24 NIV).

Practice - Not perfection

We have been in our series called “START HERE”

In Week 1, we asked the question: What is the most important thing to God?

But we discovered something way bigger—Jesus’ message of what God loves changed everything.

Love God - Love your neighbor

God loved you first.

He doesn’t just like you, but He loves you and invites you to love Him too.

In Week 2, we talked about worth and how it can feel like our value is always on the line.

One mistake, one failure, one moment of doubt—and we start to question if we still matter. 

Leaving the 99 to get the 1

 Loving your life comes from knowing your worth.

You are valuable to God

In Week 3, we saw how easy it is to drift toward people who are just like us—and away from people who aren’t.

we - they

woman at the well

Move people from a category to a conversation.

Imagine what would change in your life if you…

• Believed God loves you and that you can love God

• Lived like your value is already secure

• Took time to really see people instead of categorizing them

Today, we’re going to practice:

● Hearing from God through Scripture

● Praying to God by talking to God

● Talking about God with others

● Living for God through worship and service.

Pray

HEAR

God’s word gives us direction

And there’s one verse in particular that’s been the foundation of this whole series. It’s the moment when

Jesus was asked, “What’s the greatest commandment?” In other words, “Where should we start?” And

Jesus said: Start here.

Matthew 22:37–39 “Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

If it matters to Jesus it’s worth remembering. If we can memorize movie lines, tiktok dances, and song lyrics, we can memorize this.

PAPER HANDOUTS

Pick a method of memorization

• Put it to music. Use a beat or melody you know—or make up your own—to turn the verse into a

song.

• Make it visual. Write it out and decorate it with drawings, colors, or symbols that stand out to

you.

• Use hand motions. Create a movement or gesture for each phrase to help you remember it

physically.

• Say it out loud together. Practice it as a group using repetition or a fun rhythm.

• Play a memory game. Try writing the first letter of each word on paper and testing yourself to fill

in the blanks.

You don’t have to memorize the whole thing perfectly tonight—but start hiding it in your heart.

Practice - Not perfection

PRAY

Prayer is simply talking to God.

Sometimes, writing things down helps us to visually see things that we can express gratitude for.

Today we’re going to be talking to God through gratitude.

What got jesus in trouble, the most, is what he did and how he interacted with others.

Others that in that culture didnt deserve love.

Why because he loved them.

We need to express the same love to others in our lives.

The kid at school no one wants to sit by. The bully that may have a bad home life. The person that never looks happy.

God’s given us so much to be thankful for (presents).

Gratitude prayer:

FORME acronym like “thank you for what you have done for me”

F – Friends, Family, Fridays, Fuzzy socks

O – Overcoming some tough stuff, Oreos, Outside

R – Rest, Road trips, Really good food

M – Music, Memories, Mentors, Mom, Mountains

E – Encouragement, Energy, Everyone who cares about me

NOTECARDS TO WRITE

TALK

Sharing your story and hearing someone else’s builds connection, empathy, and trust.

Categories - we put people there

What they wear, how they talk, who they hang out with, how they act

Once you hear someone’s story though, its harder to write them off.

“When you know someone’s story, it’s easier to extend grace instead of judgment.” —Brené Brown

Jesus had ALL THE conversations…we should too

PUZZLE PIECE - One piece, whole puzze (One human trait judging someone)

So tonight, we’re going to practice seeing each other. Not through labels, but through stories. Not through assumptions, but through real conversation.

SO

• I’m going to ask a question—simple, fun, or meaningful.

• We’re going to sit in a circle and go around the group and everyone will have a chance to

answer.

• Then we’ll move to the next question.

• You can pass if you want to, but the goal is to really get to know each other.

1. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

2. If you could instantly be amazing at one thing, what would it be?

3. What’s your favorite memory from this past year?

4. Who is someone you look up to, and why?

5. What’s one thing that always makes you feel seen or valued?

6. What’s something you’ve changed your mind about recently?

7. What do you wish people knew about you?

Hope we all know each other better

LIVE

Tonight, we’re going to practice something really simple—but really powerful.

It’s based on something Jesus said: Love your neighbor as yourself. That means you can’t skip either one.

You’re not just called to love others—you’re also called to recognize your own value.

When you encourage someone, you’re saying, ‘Hey, this part of you? It matters.’

And you’re going to start by encouraging yourself.

So in this moment, we’re going to do one thing, two times: First, for you. Then, for someone else.

Give each student two cards or pieces of paper—have them label one FOR ME, and the other FOR

YOU.

Step 1: FOR ME

On your first card, write a few affirmations or encouraging truths about yourself.

You can write:

• Things God says are true about you

• Words you wish someone would say to you

• Things that remind you of your worth

This is your reminder. Tuck it in your journal. Tape it to your mirror. Put it in your Bible. Let it

speak truth over you this week.

Examples:

• I am loved.

• I matter.

God is for me

• My worth isn’t based on performance.

• Through Jesus, I can bring something good into the world.

Step 2: FOR YOU

On your second card, write something encouraging for someone else. (You could also do multiple cards)

Think of a friend, a small group leader, a family member, or someone at school

It can be a specific note or just general truth—but write it like it’s something they need to hear.

You can give it to them tonight, this week, or even anonymously.

Examples:

• You are not alone.

• You’re doing better than you think.

• You’re seen.

• God made you on purpose.

• I’m glad you’re in my life.

CLOSE WITH INVITATION