March 20 - Middle School
What we’re doing this week:
Weddings are often a time for us to think about the topic of LOVE! And at many wedding ceremonies, the “love chapter” from 1 Corinthians 13 is read. When we understand the cultural context to this famous chapter of our Bible, we discover that Paul’s letter about what love looks like was not addressed to newlyweds, but rather, to a church community. While most students may not be thinking much of marriage at this age, what they can (and should) do is consider the type of person they are becoming today. The question is not "Will I be a great boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse someday?”, but rather, “Am I becoming a more loving person today?”
Bottom Line: Love is not just future feelings, it’s present action.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, 1 John 4:11
Key Verse: We love because he first loved us. -1 John 4:19
Small Group:
Love is not just future feelings, but present action: what relationship in your life is it most difficult to show love in right now?
Leader: “I’m going to read each of the traits from 1 Corinthians 13– you give me a thumbs up if you feel like you exhibit that trait and you give me a thumbs down if it’s something you really need to grow in…”
Patient / Kind /Does not envy / Does not boast / Is not proud / Does not dishonor others / Not selfish / Not easily angry / Keeps no record of wrongs / Does not delight in evil / Rejoices in the truth / Trustworthy / Hopeful / Perseveres
Of the ones you did a thumbs down to, which one do you want to ask God to help you with this week?
Who in your life is a good example of a loving dating relationship or marriage?
What do you think you need to do to be a more loving person each day?
What does it mean to love others as God loves us?
Have students pair up and pray for each other – that God would help them become a more loving person during this season of their life.
Extra Info
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Don’t forget about the Lifeline Leader Toolkit. To learn more about this, check out this information page.
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If you’d ever like to reference the Lifeline handbook, we have a digital version of that available here on our website.
