Christian Love for One Another and Its Qualities for SS 1

Love for one another

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain God’s command to love one another;
2. discuss the qualities of love;
3. describe ways of demonstrating love to one another.

Memory Verse

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” (1 John 4:7 KJV)

Bible Reading

The principal Bible passages supporting this lesson include:

1. 1 John 4:7-8
2. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
3. 1 John 3:17-18

Introduction to Christian Love

Love is a central theme in Christianity. It is not merely an emotion but a fundamental principle that guides the lives of believers. Christian love, often referred to as agape love, is a selfless, unconditional love that seeks the well-being of others. This type of love originates from God and is meant to be shared among His children.

God’s Command to Love One Another

The Bible clearly states that love is a divine attribute and a command for all who follow God. The Apostle John emphasises this in his first epistle, highlighting the source and nature of true love.

God’s command to love one another is rooted in His own nature. The scripture in 1 John 4:7-8 teaches that “love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” This means that love is not just something God does, but it is who He is. Therefore, for a person to truly know God and be His child, they must demonstrate love.

This command is not optional for Christians. It is a fundamental requirement that reflects a person’s relationship with God. When believers love one another, they are showing the world that they belong to God and are living according to His will. It is a sign of spiritual rebirth and a deep understanding of God’s character.

Qualities of Christian Love

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, provides a detailed description of the qualities that define true Christian love. This passage, often called the “love chapter,” explains that without love, even the most impressive spiritual gifts or acts of service are meaningless. It outlines what love is and what it is not.

The qualities of love described in 1 Corinthians 13 include:

1. Patience: Love is patient. It endures difficulties, delays, and imperfections in others without becoming irritable or giving up. It is long-suffering.
2. Kindness: Love is kind. It is gentle, benevolent, and compassionate in its actions and words towards others. It actively seeks to do good.
3. Not Envious: Love does not envy. It does not feel resentment or bitterness towards others’ success, possessions, or good fortune. Instead, it rejoices with them.
4. Not Boastful: Love does not boast. It does not brag about its own achievements or qualities, nor does it seek to draw attention to itself.
5. Not Proud: Love is not proud. It is humble and does not think highly of itself or look down on others. Pride often leads to division and conflict.
6. Not Rude: Love is not rude. It behaves courteously and respectfully towards everyone, regardless of their status or background. It considers the feelings of others.
7. Not Self-Seeking: Love is not self-seeking. It does not insist on its own way or prioritise its own desires above the needs and interests of others. It is selfless.
8. Not Easily Angered: Love is not easily angered. It does not quickly lose its temper or become provoked by minor annoyances or offences. It maintains composure.
9. Keeps No Record of Wrongs: Love keeps no record of wrongs. It does not hold grudges or remember past hurts to use against others later. It forgives.
10. Does Not Delight in Evil: Love does not delight in evil. It finds no pleasure in injustice, wrongdoing, or the misfortunes of others.
11. Rejoices with the Truth: Love rejoices with the truth. It celebrates honesty, integrity, and what is morally right. It supports justice and righteousness.
12. Always Protects: Love always protects. It seeks to shield others from harm, gossip, and negative influences. It covers faults with grace.
13. Always Trusts: Love always trusts. It believes the best in others and gives them the benefit of the doubt, even when circumstances are challenging.
14. Always Hopes: Love always hopes. It maintains a positive outlook for the future, even in difficult situations, believing in the possibility of good outcomes.
15. Always Perseveres: Love always perseveres. It endures all things, remaining steadfast and unwavering through trials and tribulations.

These qualities show that Christian love is an active choice and a way of living, not just a fleeting emotion. It is a powerful force that builds up individuals and communities.

Ways of Demonstrating Love to One Another

It is not enough to simply know what love is; Christians are called to demonstrate love through their actions. The Apostle John further explains this in 1 John 3:17-18, emphasising the importance of practical love over mere words.

The scripture asks, “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” This passage highlights that genuine love is expressed through tangible acts of compassion and generosity, especially towards those in need.

Ways of demonstrating love to one another include:

1. Sharing Material Possessions: When a believer has enough resources and sees another believer in need, demonstrating love involves sharing what they have. This could be food, clothing, shelter, or financial assistance.
2. Helping the Needy: Actively seeking out opportunities to assist those who are struggling, such as the poor, the sick, the elderly, or the vulnerable in the community.
3. Providing Comfort and Support: Offering emotional and spiritual support to those who are grieving, distressed, or facing difficult challenges. This includes listening, praying with them, and offering encouragement.
4. Forgiveness: Practising forgiveness towards those who have wronged us, just as Christ forgave us. This aligns with the quality of not keeping a record of wrongs.
5. Showing Hospitality: Welcoming others, especially strangers or those new to a community or church, and making them feel accepted and valued.
6. Speaking Truth in Love: Correcting or admonishing a fellow believer when necessary, but doing so with kindness, respect, and a genuine desire for their spiritual growth, rather than with harshness or judgment.
7. Praying for One Another: Interceding for the well-being, spiritual growth, and needs of other believers.
8. Serving Others: Voluntarily using one’s time, talents, and energy to serve the needs of others in the church and wider community.

These actions show that Christian love is practical and active. It moves beyond feelings and words to make a real difference in the lives of others, reflecting the sacrificial love of Christ.