Head: Know God’s Word | Heart: Love God | Hands: Follow God’s Way

Read 1 John 4:7–11, 20–21

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God... We love because He first loved us... Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister." 1 John 4:7–11, 20–21

Are you a Christian, a follower of Christ? John presents five things in our lives that show how God has changed us as believers and followers of Jesus. Today, we will look at LOVE!

Head 

John teaches us that one of the clearest signs that we are truly Christians is how we love others. Love isn't just a feeling; it's a choice we make, even when people are difficult. God showed us what real love looks like by sending Jesus to die for our sins. So, if we truly know God, His kind of love will start showing up in how we treat people, especially those closest to us. What does it mean to love someone when it's hard? Can we still love people we disagree with?

Heart 

When we love others, we show that God's love lives in us. But loving people isn't always easy, especially when they're annoying, mean, or different from us.

Think of this: Imagine your little brother just broke your favorite toy... again. You feel angry. You want to yell. But then you remember how patient God is with you when you mess up. Loving your brother in that moment might look like taking a deep breath, forgiving him, and helping him fix what's broken.

We don't love others because they always deserve it, but we love them because God loved us first. What's one way God has shown you love recently? How can that help you love someone else this week?

Hands 

Loving others means doing something about it. It could be saying kind words, sharing, forgiving, or including someone who feels left out. We live out our faith by showing love in real, everyday ways. This week, each family member picks one person to show love to, even if it's hard. It could be a sibling, classmate, neighbor, or even someone unkind. 

Prayer: Father, thank You for loving us first and showing us what real love looks like through Jesus. Help us to love others, not just when it's easy, but even when it's hard. Fill our hearts with Your love so we can share it with everyone around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

More

House Church Family Activity: Create a Love Jar 

• What You Need: a jar, paper, crayons, and pens. 
• Ask: What are ways we can show love to others? Cut paper into small slips. Together, come up with easy, loving actions, write or draw one on each slip, and put them in the jar. (Examples: Say "I love you" to someone, hug a family member, share a toy, help clean up, make a card for someone, pray for a friend, say something kind, say thank you, etc.)