Intro: Why “Love” Matters to Teenagers
Hey, what’s up? Today, we’re gonna ditch the cheesy stuff and dive headfirst into a real discussion about love. I bet you’ve got loads of questions buzzing around in your head:
- What’s the difference between a crush and authentic love?
- Am I supposed to just accept toxic behavior “in the name of love”?
- Does God really care about who I’m dating?
The thing about love is that it’s everywhere – from songs and movies to those cringey Valentine’s decorations. But let’s be real, all that glittery stuff often ain’t what love is really about. So today, we’re gonna cut through the noise and check out what the Bible has to say. Because truth bomb: God invented love, and He designed it to be awesome.
Main Teaching
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Okay, let’s get into one of the most famous Bible passages on love:
Love is patient, love is kind. It 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. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
Explanation:
- This ain’t your typical lovey-dovey, greeting-card stuff. This is talking about a love that’s action-packed.
- Think of love like a superpower: patience when someone’s driving you nuts, kindness towards a frenemy, not getting all jealous over other people’s stuff.
- True love is about respecting others, controlling your temper, and ditching the scorecard about who wronged who.
- Basically, this is saying that love looks out for others, forgives, and never gives up.
Discussion Questions:
- Does this kind of love seem impossible? Why or why not?
- Can you think of someone who shows this type of love towards you?
- What’s the most challenging part of loving like this?
Bible Reading: John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Explanation:
- This is the heart of everything. God showed the ultimate act of love – He didn’t just have warm, fuzzy feelings, he sacrificed for us.
- “The world” means everyone, including the good, the bad, and the seriously messed up. God’s love ain’t based on our behavior, it’s based on His awesome character.
- This kind of love changes us from the inside out.
Discussion Questions:
- How does knowing that God loves you like this make a difference in your life?
- How can this type of love impact how you see others, even those who are difficult?
Bible Reading: 1 John 4:7-8
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Explanation:
- We can’t just try really hard to be loving; it’s a superpower we get from knowing God.
- Think of it like this: the more you hang out with God, the more His love rubs off on you.
- The proof that someone truly knows God is that they are becoming more loving.
Discussion Questions:
- How can spending time with God help you to show more love to others?
- What’s one practical way you can show more love this week?
Youth Group Game
- Divide into teams. Each team will choose a Bible verse about love, write it on poster paper, THEN rip the poster into puzzle pieces. Teams will then race against each other to reassemble their chosen passage as quickly as possible.
Closing Prayer
Dear God, thanks for showing us what real love looks like. Sometimes it feels hard to show love, especially to certain people. Help us to connect more to you and fill us with your superpower of love so that we can become more like you. Amen.