A Chapter About Love

The church in Corinth had many problems, and Paul addressed those in the two letters he wrote to them. He instructs that their internal bickering and selfishness could be solved if they practised one thing: LOVE. In this chapter, Paul gives practical advice on what love is and how to practice it.

When teaching, emphasise that love is how you treat people and not just an emotional feeling.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Corinthians 13

Outline:

1. Good actions mean  nothing if not based on love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
2. Love is expressed in action (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
3. Love lasts forever (1 Corinthians 13:8-13)

Tips for teaching children:

• Make a craft involving hearts. A good phrase to write on the crafts is “Love never ends” from 1 Corinthians 13:13. 
• Discuss each attribute of love in the context of a child’s world.
• Encourage children to memorise 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.  They can finish this off with the first phrase of verse 13 (love never ends)
• Sing songs about love:
  • Ha-la-la-la Song
  • Hello Hello Song
  • Love is Something If You Give It Away
  • L-O-V-E Song

Tips for teaching adults:

• Questions and conversation starters: 
  • Share about the most loving thing someone has done for you. Why did you consider it the most loving?  What makes it stand out?  
  • Discuss what aspects of love are the most challenging. 
• Imagine a church that is fully loving.  What would the Sunday worship assembly be like?  How would members interact with one another?
•  As a class, choose one of the qualities of love Paul mentions in this chapter, and then, for one month, practice this quality toward one another in the class.  You might brainstorm ways this can be done.  For instance, to practice “love is kind", you might write a note of encouragement, take someone out to eat and pay for their meal or speak affirming words to them.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Chapter of Love

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org