Paul Describes Genuine Love

Bible Point: God teaches us how to love


Key Verse: “Love is patient, love is kind. it does not envy, it does not
boast, it is not proud. it is not rude, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs”
(1 Corinthians 13:4-5).


Bible Exploration: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13


We all need love. This truth shouldn’t be surprising, since God is love—and he created
us! But the word love today has little meaning to many of us. One person says, “i love
you.” Another person says, “i love the color of your sweater.” A third person says, “i love
the snow.” All around us, the word love is used in sexually oriented ways and to sell
products. But the Bible is clear about what love is. Paul wrote about it in 1 Corinthians
13—the “love chapter.”


To think about and discuss:

• Why do you think God wants us to love other people with this kind
  of love?


• Do you think we can develop this kind of love on our own? Why or
  why not? If not, where does this kind of love come from?


• If we don’t choose to express this kind of love toward other
  people, what will happen? What attitudes and actions will we
  develop? How will others be aff ected?


• If we are not expressing this kind of love, what can we do to get
  back on track?

Family Worship Challenge:

• If you were going to draw a picture of love, what would
  you draw?


• Have each family member list two ways in which eachother member shows love to them. Then have family members come up with a huge list of things family members can do for one another to show love. Write this list together on a large sheet of paper, and attach it to the refrigerator. Encourage family members to read the list daily and do one or more of the listed actions for another person as often as possible.

Paul Comforts Others in a Storm

Bible Point: Our faith in God can encourage others.

Key verse: “In everything set them an example by doing what is
good” (Titus 2:7a).

Bible Exploration: Acts 27:1-44


Paul was able to encourage his shipmates’ faith because he had the
encouragement of being connected to Jesus. Christians experience Jesus’ love and power
and have the ability to communicate peace and encouragement to others.


To think about and discuss:
• What prevents us from from comforting others?
• Where do non-Christians turn to find comfort or encouragement?
• Which is easier, comforting someone or being comforted? Explain.


Family Challenge:
During a meal, ask each family member to shape or rearrange a food item into the name or the initial of someone he or she would like to encourage in the Christian life. When the names have been made, have them tell why they want to encourage the people they’ve
chosen. As family members share, have them each eat the food-created name and then tell one way that he orshe will encourage the person in the coming week.