Love - This word is thrown around so often that it appears to have lost its true meaning. The Bible says the ultimate definition of “love” is God, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. In the great love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13, we see many facets of God’s love and the love we are to have for others.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

The Way of Love

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

DISCIPLESHIP CONVERSATIONS

For Adult Homes or Groups
1. What was one of your most favorable “love songs” growing up? What did that song teach you about the meaning of “love”?
2. Read 1 Corinthians 13 and highlight the verse that stands out the most in your mind. What activities are useless without love (vv. 1-3)?
3. How does the love described in this chapter compare to the love typically defined in our culture?
4 How has God shown you His love this week? What comfort do you receive when you discover God’s love for you never fails? (See Romans 8:39)
5. Is there someone who needs to know and experience God’s love through you this week? Can you name them?
6. One of the best ways to love people is to pray for them. Ask, “How can I pray for you right now?” (Then pray!)

Families with Kids
1. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as a family.
2. Have everyone share about someone who reminds them of these verses. Who is someone you know that is kind, patient, etc.?
3. Nobody can love perfectly except God! However, love is a fruit of the Spirit. As we spend more time with God, He helps us love others better. How can you show love to others this week?
4. Bonus Activity: Play a game called “Honey, I Love You.” The goal of this popular game is simply to keep a straight face while the person who is “it” tries to get someone to smile. The person who is “it” is only allowed to say, “Honey, I love you. Will you please, please smile?” The other player must respond “Honey, I love you, but I just can’t smile.” If you have younger kids, a simple “No” will suffice. No tickling allowed! Once a player cracks a smile, they are the new “it.” After you play, remind your children that God loves them so much.
That’s something to smile about!