121 AdventSample

What is Love/Why Love?

The definition of love has as many variations as the number of people asked to define it. One might conclude it is a feeling, based on human instinct and articulation. Another might say it is a choice, something that transcends emotion and rests on human will and resolve. Yet another might vaguely conclude it is a force of nature, mysterious in its inability to be controlled or even fully understood by our finite humanity. But what does Scripture say? What does God say love is and how can we know it when we see it in a world tainted by sin and darkness?

Scripture distinguishes human love and the love of God, the latter being perfect and the former, while a glimpse in part of God’s love, impossibly perfect due to the nature of sin’s existence. It is important to recognize our inability to experience the fullness of love apart from Christ, who removes sin and allows us to see love clearly and fully. That is why the advent of Christ not only gives us the grandest display of love, but it also allows the possibility for us to know and experience love.

One of the most popular passages of Scripture on the subject of love gives us a clear definition of love by it's characteristics, what it is and what it is not (1 Corinthians 13). Most commonly we are encouraged to love in this way, however, we must also foresee these characteristics of love as having motivated God’s love toward us in Christ. Most importantly, that we are not self-glorifyed as the subject of His love because we are so great, but that His love despite us, overcomes the great darkness of sin and death that we possess apart from Him.

Why do we love? When we have a complete understanding of love, perfect love displayed for us in God’s gracious giving of His Son, the outpouring of love upon others is not only justified, but instinctive. We love because He first loved us.

Families With Young Children

KIDS, What would you say the word love means? How would you describe it? Who are some people you love? What are some things you love? Did you know that God's love is perfect? Well, it is! God loves you with a love that is beyond anything you can even comprehend! He loved you before you were even formed in your mother's womb and He loves you no matter what! His love is not based on a feeling or any good thing you do. He loves you unconditionally. The Advent season is the perfect time to reflect on the Love of Christ. God sent His Son, Jesus, to be born as a perfect baby so He could grow up a perfect man to die as the sacrifice for our sins. That is true love!

Read 1 John 4:7-21. KIDS, Where does love come from? (God) Is it possible to know God and not show love? (no, because God is love) How did God show His love to us? (He sent His one and only Son so that we might live through Him) Why should we love other people? (because God loves us) If we truly love God who else should we love? (all people)

Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-8. KIDS, Would you say that love is a pretty big deal for us to have? Write down a list of things you learn about love from these verses. Thank God for His unfailing love for you. Thank your family for their love for you. How can you show the love of Jesus to those around you? In what ways do you think God continues to show you love? Ask your parents the same question.