Christ-Centered Bible Studies for Kids, Students and Adults

Weekly Leader Training for Students: Unit 20, Session 3—The Son Embodies Divine Love

| Alecia Bryant

We’re called to love others like God loves us. 


Scripture: 1 John 4:7-11; 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

Central Truth

The standard of love is God sending His Son to be the sacrifice for our sins. God didn’t wait to love us until we loved Him; He loved us before we loved Him. He has loved and continues to love people who will never love Him back. We learn how to love others by learning how God has loved us. 

Key Question

How does God’s character in the Bible change the way we think about what love is?

Keep in Mind

We instinctively know we ought to love and be loved. Yet, there’s no one in the world who can love us like God loves us. Our sin causes us to miss the mark of what true love does for others. The solution to our challenge is fairly simple: God is love and knowing Him will show us what love is and what love does. The selfless, sacrificial nature of love is seen in God’s sending of His Son to die on the cross for our sins. God didn’t wait to be loved before He loved. We see love in the words and works of Christ Jesus. Everything Jesus said and did for others sought their highest good in God. In Christ we see the kindness, gentleness, humility, consistency, and passion of authentic love. Love is not a result of our effort, but its a fruit of Christ’s Spirit in us. As we’re filled with God’s Word and God’s Spirit, we can love others the way God has loved us. 

APPLICATION

What is the right motivation for loving others?

THE WIN

FOR THE STUDENT: We’re called to love God with all we have and to love others like Christ has loved us. This is an impossible task in our strength. The love we’re called to express doesn’t originate in us but in God. When we pray and receive His love, we can give that love back to Him and those He puts in our lives. 

FOR THE LEADER: We must continue to help students see that love is no temporary, cheap feeling. Love is an unconquerable commitment to seeking another’s highest good in God. Love is a powerful gift only God, who is love, can give us. Only God’s Spirit can guide us to give His love to others. 

About Alecia Bryant

Alecia Bryant is the Publishing Team Lead for The Gospel Project for Students. She enjoys studying God's Word, leading worship, and traveling. Alecia and her husband live in Louisiana, with their two children and a goofy golden retriever. In her free time, you can probably catch her at a local Mexican restaurant eating chips and salsa with her family.