Bible base:
Matthew 22:39; 1 Corinthians 13:4–13
Aim:
To help students think about the meaning of love and about treating others with kindness.
Things you’ll need:
- Flip chart and pens to write up suggestions from students.
- A CD player and CDs with current songs including the word ‘love’.
- Bible verses from 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 printed onto card or on PowerPoint (optional).
Preparation
Think of four or five current songs which you think students will know which include the word ‘love’ in the titles or lyrics.
Presentation
1 If possible, play a selection of current songs including the word ‘love’ as students enter the room where you’re meeting for the assembly.
2 Ask students to see how many songs they can come up with which include the word ‘love’. You could show them some CD covers as clues. Write the song titles up on a flipchart if you have one. How many can they think of?
3 Talk about the fact that love is mentioned a lot in music, in magazines, on TV etc. But what is it? For example, what does it mean to love someone? Ask for some suggestions.
4 Point out that it can mean different things at different times, depending on who you are talking about. Get the students to suggest different people we ‘love’ (eg boyfriend/girlfriend, Mum, Dad, brother, friends). Comment that the way we love these people is different depending on the kind of relationship we have with them.
5 Say that you’re going to read one description of love. Read this passage from the Bible, slowly and thoughtfully: 1 Corinthians 13:4–7. Explain that this is from the Bible and is a description of how Christians believe people should act towards others. These principles can be applied to any of our friendships and relationships. Display the verses now if you wish.
6 Talk through each element of the Bible passage, asking for practical examples of what it might mean to behave like this towards friends, parents, boyfriend/girlfriend, teacher etc.
Reflection
- Invite the students to consider this commandment from the Bible about how we should care for others: ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself.’ Matthew 22:39 (NCV)
- Comment that this means we should treat people the way we would like to be treated.
Response
Ask the students to think about their own behaviour and actions. Are there times when they don’t ‘love’ others in the way you’ve just been talking about? Ask them to think about how they might need to change. Encourage them to ask God to help them to be ‘loving’ towards others today.
If you wish, you could play a quiet Christian song on the theme of love as students go out from the assembly.