For most of us, February causes images of candy hearts, cupid and chocolate to dance through our heads. What was once just a one-day holiday celebrating love has turned into a month-long celebration. And here at Hillside, Pastor Aaron has been walking through a series called, “I Believe In A Thing Called Love,” focusing on 1 Corinthians 13, and up in Kids Ministry, we’ve been walking through it as well!When we begin to look at our Heavenly Father’s love for us, we’re talking about a love much more wild and real than you’ll find in any cheesy romantic comedies (as much as we all secretly love them). When we remove what the world tells us love should look like and begin to view it through God’s eyes, it’s given a whole new meaning.

So far, we’ve walked through 1 Corinthians 13:4, “love is patient, love is kind,” and learned what it means to serve others with our whole hearts by exercising patience and kindness. This past weekend, we learned what love ISN’T by taking a closer look at 1 Corinthians 13:4-6:

“…[Love] does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”

When we can recognize all the things around us that love is not, we can do a better job of loving our friends and family like Jesus does. On the other hand, 1 Corinthians 13:7 tells us what love ALWAYS is.

“[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”When we live out these truths in our relationships, we are a picture of how God loves to those around us, whether it’s with a friend, a family member, a colleague or a stranger.

Over the last weekend of the month, we’ll wrap up February with 1 Corinthians 13:8, “love never fails.” Though these words may be simple, they’re a powerful reminder that God is love and therefore, love NEVER fails. Because He loves us so deeply, we have the ability transform our schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces by the power of one action… L-O-V-E.

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If you have little ones in Kids Ministry or simply need some post-church discussion questions for the car ride home, consider talking these over with someone you love.

• During week 1 of our current series, we learned that love is patient and kind. Notice the passage doesn’t say love is EASY. What are practical ways you can show love this week to someone who may not be an “easy” person to love?
• Week 2 focused on what love is NOT. What are some behaviors you find yourself doing that you are not reflective of the kind of love scripture talks about? How can you trade those behaviors for love this week?
• In 1 Corinthians 13:7, which “love always” phrase speaks to you and why?
• Stop and reflect on how you’ve felt God’s never-failing love recently and share with someone close to you. If you’re in desperate need of a reminder of His love for you, let this be it – you are seen, you are known and you are LOVED.

 

By Natalie Moore
Hillside Kid’s Ministry