Pursue true love

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-4 NLT

Become a student of love by studying scripture

The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 1 TIMOTHY 1:5 NLT
Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. EPHESIANS 5:2 NLT
This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. JOHN 15:12-13 NLT
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. ROMANS 12:9 NLT
Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. COLOSSIANS 3:19 NLT
May God give you more and more…love. JUDE 2 NLT

Trust God’s definition of love

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-7 NLT

Celebrate people committed to love

Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. HEBREWS 13:4 NLT
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. PROVERBS 18:22 NLT

Community Group Discussion Guide

1. How do you think our culture would describe “true love”?
2. How would you describe it?
3. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. How is God’s definition different from yours/our culture’s? Why do you think there is a difference?
4. According to this definition, where do you personally need to grow in love? How can God help you do this?
5. What does it look like to honor marriage in a world where it doesn’t seem to matter?
6. If you’re married, what can you do to better honor your marriage? If you’re single, how does your approach to dating need to change based on God’s definition of love?

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place where you can be alone with God. Spend a few moments thinking about what you want from love (e.g. recognition, safety, excitement). Hold these for a moment, then offer them to God – he knows what you need and is generous in his love for you. Now read through Corinthians 13:4-7 several times slowly and think about how you offer love to others. What needs to grow in the way you love others (e.g. patience, kindness, truth or hope)? Now ask God to subtly change your heart so that you can begin to love in this way. As you move through your week, find an opportunity to intentionally practice this type of love.