HEY MIKE! Have some Christians forgotten how to love? It’s sad when unbelievers view the church as hypocritical, cliquish and no different from the world. Lately, I’ve seen this in my own youth group. A few of our so-called “student leaders” seem to be more interested in flirting with the opposite sex, doing silly group games and merely playing church, not actually being the church. Yet there’s a neighborhood around us that’s hurting for love. We of all people need to model it. I’ve told our leaders that we should go door-to-door and witness or find a way to serve the community, such as mowing lawns for the elderly and stuff like that. But none of the teens seem to care, and it’s making me angry. What should I do?
—J.S., Phoenix
First, I want you to know something: You are the real student leader, J.S. It sounds as if you have a vision for your youth group that goes way beyond game playing and “talking the talk.” You want to be Christ’s hands and feet. You’ve accepted His call to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). You want to make an eternal difference, and I applaud that!
Second, be concerned and continue to care because you’re right: Your community needs to see Christ’s love reflected through believers. Yet as you pointed out, the Bible’s standard of love is sometimes different from the one Christians demonstrate.
Take a look at how love is supposed to be expressed: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other” (John 15:12-17).
So what should you do? Don’t let your anger turn into bitterness, which would be the opposite of God’s love, right? Instead, be a voice for the Lord and allow His love to speak through you. If you just can’t get anywhere with your student leaders, talk to other kids in your group. Get them excited about serving, and start a neighborhood outreach together. But first, connect with your youth pastor and get his or her blessing. Your pastor will have some helpful ideas and will be able to give you the guidance you may need.
Hey, don’t forget to write Breakaway and let us know what happens. And, guys, take this challenge to your youth group. Just as J.S. pointed out, it’s time for all Christians to remember how to love. 
