Date: July 31, 2022
What Does Love Look Like?
The Point: We are to love others as God loves us.
Get Into the Study
Use the following information to introduce Question 1.
Begin by sharing this news item:
“In late 2017, when art historian Eric Fortada was hanging a Etienne Terrus painting in a gallery in southern France, he noticed something unusual about the signature. With a brush of a white glove, he discovered a different signature under the supposed ‘authentic’ one. This discovery led to an even more shocking truth: not only was this painting a fake, but more than half of the works in the museum’s collection were not actually by Terrus. Out of 142 works, 82 were forgeries.
Say: “Even when we think we know what we’re looking for, we can’t always tell the difference between what’s real and what’s fake.” Then read Question 1: (“When have you been really impressed by a fake?”)
Information for this post was gleaned from:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/fake-art-france-culture-spd
Study the Bible
Use the following information to introduce Question #5.
Begin by sharing this news item:
“Even though North Texas might only experience a true ‘snow’ once every seven years, in February 2021, North Texas experienced one of the worst winter storms in recorded history. The deep snow and arctic temperatures were not just a novelty, but turned deadly as burst pipes, icy roads, and power blackouts claimed the lives of hundreds in the region.
In the small town of Ovilla, Grace Church of Ovilla worked with officials and opened its doors to serve as an operational “warming center.” For several critical days, with dangerously low temperatures, they provided a place for shelter, sleep, and offered warm meals to their community and city officials. Additionally, volunteers from the church and department went door-to-door, covering at least 50 percent of the city to check on residents.
Say: “We can’t always know the opportunities that are going to come to us as a church body, but we can develop an attitude of love toward our neighbors and our local area.” Then read Question 5: (“Where do you see our church putting love on display in our community?”)
Information for this post was gleaned from:
https://www.focusdailynews.com/city-of-ovilla-proud-to-report-it-faired-better-than-expected/
https://tpwmagazine.com/archive/2022/jan/ed_3_snowmageddon/index.phtml
Jessica Connell wrote these Leader Extras. Jess is a homeschooling mom of 9 who has served around the world in ministry with her husband. She loves hiking, exploring, and being active in her local church in North Texas.
Study the Bible [from Adult Leader Guide, p. 121 and KJV Adult Leader Guide, p. 120]
In advance, invite someone to lead your group in a song about biblical love like “Love Lifted Me.” Sing the song together. Then close by reinforcing “The Point.”
Additional Questions
Icebreakers
- How can you tell something that’s real from something that’s fake?
- When have you been really impressed by a fake version of an item?
- What is something you purchase for which you will not settle on a generic brand?
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
- What can we learn from the imagery used in these verses?
- How do most people describe love? What is correct about that description? In what ways does that description fall short?
- What sobering truth does Paul impress to Jesus’s followers?
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
- How does it change the way we love when we first believe God loves us?
- Based on this passage, what is love like? Conversely, what is love not like?
- When has God expressed his love for you in a way that made you believe it?
1 Corinthians 13:8-13
- What changes could you make in your life’s priorities to emphasize what is eternal over what is temporary?
- How does our love for others reveal God’s love?
- What opportunities do you have this week to love others as God loves you?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
biblestudiesforlife.lifeway.com-EXTRA Ideas for Adults How to Love Your Neighbor Session 2
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Magazine Article
This article complements the study. Share this link with your group members.
- Mature Living – Love Like There is a Tomorrow
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
Leave a Reply