God is love
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
1 John 4:8 (NIV)
This week we focus on a type of love referenced in the Bible called agape love. It is the highest order of love, love that can only come from God. By accepting God’s love, his unconditional, undeserved, gracious, and sacrificial love we are on track to love others too. It is His outpouring of love that makes us become lovable and broadens our ability to love. Watch the video below to learn more!
Memory Verse:
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
1 JOHN 4:7 (NIV)
Going Further
Hi Everyone! A couple of ideas for family activities after watching the video:
1) Read/Review 1 Corinthians 13:4 – 8 (NIV)
2) Family Time.
- We have learned that to love someone means to care for someone without expecting anything in return. Agape love is to love so strongly and passionately that you’re willing to give up something important for the sake of someone else. Who can you think of who loves us this strongly? What did He give up for us? What did we gain in return?
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 talks about the importance of loving above all else. It even talks about loving people who may be hard to love. It uses words like “kind” and “patient.” These are other fruit of the Spirit we will be learning about later. Thinking back when Miss Sarah first talked to us about the fruit of the Spirit, can we bear fruit without God’s help? This week, Miss Joan gave a demonstration on how God’s love is poured into our hearts if we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, read our Bible, and obey it. Can we always be kind or patient without God’s help? With God’s help, can we show agape love, be kind and patient to others who might be hard to love? Can you think of someone in your life who may be hard to love, maybe even mean sometimes? What can you do to show them love?
- Reread 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, but this time substitute the word “Love” with “Jesus”. Now reread it again, and substitute it with your name. Does it sound true? Are there some areas that you need to pray about and ask for the Holy Spirit’s help in bearing fruit in your life?
- Extra challenge! Check out the Word of the Week video. Paul lived a life passionate for Judaism. What does that mean? How did he treat Christians before he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior? After he accepted Jesus in his heart, how did he begin to treat Christians? Was he willing to love sacrificially for Jesus and others? Who poured agape love into his heart?
- Pray together as a family. Is there someone in your family who has not yet accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior?
3) Activities.
- Draw a picture about today’s lesson, or color the printable coloring sheet (see below), take a picture and send it to Pastor Shaun or send it to office@hockinson.org so that it can be shared in next week’s video.
- Scroll down to the music videos and sing along.
- Have fun using the activities below.
Special Message
Click on the button to crack a secret code!
Coloring Sheet
Download and print out this coloring sheet. As you color, think of how you can demonstrate God’s love toward someone!
Crossword Puzzle
Test your knowledge of God’s love as described in 1 Corinthians 4 – 8.
[game-crossword id=”5536″ ]
Word Search
Download and print out this fun word search. See if you can find key words about agape love!
Arr, Matey!
Each week, Children’s Ministry hides a treasure somewhere in its post. It could be among any of the items (Family Time, activity downloads, the popup after completing the crossword puzzle, etc.). If you can’t find the treasure for this week don’t despair, come back next week and look for a new treasure!
We would love to hear from you!
Please click the button below to leave us a comment. Is there something you especially like or would like to see included in these posts?
Video Presentation
(If you do not see a video below, you will need to change your browser privacy settings.)
This week’s music videos!