Love is the distinctive mark of a Christian. Paul, in this chapter, describes the type of love Christians should show to others. This type of love does not primarily have to do with pleasure. It is a self-sacrificial love, the type of love Christ showed us when he died for our sins on the cross. This self-sacrificial love is patient and kind. It always hopes for the best and trusts God for the results. It does not stick up for its own rights or hold grudges. Instead it is a love that looks out for other people’s best interests.
1. What, in your opinion, is the ultimate expression of love?
2. How does Paul describe a person who has no love? (13:1-3)
3. What adjectives does Paul list concerning love? What verbs are used? (13:4-8)
4. What does Paul say will happen to all the other gifts, compared with love? (13:8) 5. What three things will last forever? (13:13)
6. In what ways have you experienced the power of Christ-like love?
7. How have you witnessed the opposite effects of a person or place characterized more by the absence of love that is described here?
8. Which of the attributes of love are the easiest for you to practice? Which are the most difficult?
9. How does knowing that love is a gift from God change the way you treat others?
10. Who would benefit this week from your efforts at sharing Christ-like love with that person?
Pastor Jack
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment