Love in 1 Corinthians 13

Another letter from the Apostle Paul.

Bible Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Our lesson today is found in 1 Corinthians 13. [verses 1-2] Paul is writing this letter to the Church at Corinth. Paul talks about love, and it is a good reminder for us as every day. Paul begins by saying that if you do not have love, you are like a clanging cymbal!

You know that a banging cymbal is Loud and annoying! And Paul says that isn't love. He said that it doesn’t matter how wise you are… if you don’t have love, then you don’t have anything.

1.Patient & Kind: Paul said even if he gave everything, he has to feed the poor, there would not be a profit (an advantage or reward) without love. (vs. 3-4)

Paul is saying to share and give with the right heart and with love. He wants you to give freely and not resent what you are giving.

2. Jealous: Love does not envy, does not parade itself and is not puffed up. Love isn’t jealous of what others have, and if you have things that others want, you shouldn’t make your friends jealous because you have it.

3. Boast: Love is not proud or big headed. That also means boasting or bragging. Accept what you have, what God has given you. Be happy, not "I want this and that".

4. Not Rude or Mean: Love does not behave rudely. Love is not impolite or mean. Love doesn’t do things that we’ll regret or be ashamed of later. Discuss being mean. (vs. 5)

5. Care About Others: Love does not seek its own. Love doesn’t look out for their own interests or just themselves. That also includes grabbing things from people. Or interrupting when someone is talking. Love cares about other people’s needs.

 6. Controls Temper:  Love is not provoked. That means that Love doesn’t become angry easily. Love is forgiving. Take time to let your temper cool down. Don’t hold grudges.

Love thinks no evil. Discuss anger and what angers the students and what they can do to control it.

7. Good Thoughts: Does not rejoice in iniquity but rejoices in the truth. Iniquity is sin or doing sinful things that God doesn't like. And just the opposite is to be happy to do what is right. (vs. 6)

8. Love bears all things. (Love protects.)

Love believes all things. (Love trusts)

Love hopes all things. (Love always has hope.)

Love never fails. (Love puts up with things and never gives up.) If you love someone or something, you never stop trying. Love is patient, willing to listen and take the time to pay attention. (vs. 7-8)

9. Look at today's Bible verse 13. There’s faith, hope and love.

Faith is believing in Jesus and knowing that He will do what’s best for us.

Hope is knowing that we will be with Jesus in Heaven.

And God is love! Love never ends.

We have faith in what Jesus taught us, and we know that if we do everything He commands, we will go to Heaven with Him.

10. Greatest is Love: BUT the greatest of these is love. Why? Finally, the Bible tells us that love keeps no record of wrongs. You have a piece of paper in front of you. Pretend that this is a list you’ve been making of things that bother you about other people. Let’s tear it up. Rip it to little pieces! Now there’s nothing standing in the way of you loving others.

Love thinks good things, and if you are thinking good things, you will do good things. Slow down and see if there’s something you can do to help someone …  You show your love by how you act and treat others.  
  

Click here to download the visuals.

You can also make this banner that was originally used with this lesson.
(The kids love it!)

 

 

Extra: **Make chocolate heart lollipops** I make chocolate suckers for the kids, one for them and one for them to share and show love. You can find the sucker molds at almost any craft store, but I purchased mine on eBay. Click here to print the love tags for the chocolate.

Click here to see this set of printables about the heart.

It can be used as an application review or even an introduction.

There is also a heart puzzle that would e great to use with this lesson.

 

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

Used by permission.