Scripture Text: 1 John 4:7-21
Memory Verse: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34
Lesson Aim: To emphasize the importance of love as the fruit of the Spirit.
Love is important to God. Perhaps this is why love is first in the list of the fruit of the Spirit. God commands His people to love—to love Him (Deuteronomy 6:5), to love one another (1 John 4:7), and to even love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). Jesus said that the love we have for one another would identify us as His disciples (John 13:35).
All the other facets or qualities of the fruit of the Spirit are rooted in love. Love is not simply warm feelings. Instead, it is an attitude that demonstrates itself in action. This kind of love is not the natural human response. It can be manifested only through an encounter with the love of God. People will notice our love and know
that we are supernaturally empowered.
Loving in the context of God’s Word allows us to reach up to God and to reach out to others. John speaks of the parallel Christians must recognize in our love being expressed upward (to God) and outward (to others). The fact is that we cannot say we love God if we do not love one another (1 John 5:2-3).
There are a few principles that can help us understand agape love.
1. Love is an act of will. Each aspect of the fruit of the Spirit requires decisions. Love is no different. The kind of love that Jesus modeled requires deliberate decisions and conscious effort. It takes work to love, but it is the love of God in us that will enable us to love like Him.
2. Love is action. It is not just words, but something we do. Actions speak louder than words. Backing up our words is proof of our love (1 John 3:18).
3. Love reaches out to the unlovely. If you love only those who love you, what makes you any different than sinners (Luke 6:32-33)?
4. We need God’s help to love. It is not in our nature to love like God loves. That’s why we need to mature in the fruit of the Spirit.
5. Love expects nothing in return (Luke 6:35). If we are to love as God loves, we find that we need to love without any thought of personal return.
Love is self sacrifice. Here are some practical ways to love others as Jesus loves us: (1) helping when it is not convenient; (2) giving when it hurts; (3) devoting energy to others’ welfare rather than our own; (4) absorbing hurts from others without complaining or fighting back, true forgiveness.
Interact with God’s Word
- Why is love important to God? Deuteronomy 6:5; John 14:15; 1 John 4:7-10
- What is the nature of pure love? 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
- What instructions did Jesus give His disciples regarding love? Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 10:27-28; John 13:34-35
- Discuss why agape love is an act of will and action. 1 John 3:17-18; 1 John 4:19
- Why is it so important that we love one another? John 13:35; 1 John 4:20-21
- How did Paul instruct the saints in Rome to love? Romans 12:9-21
- What are some other practical ways to show love in our homes, in our church and our every day life?