Love for one another
Radical activist Jerry Rubin made a profound observation about the English language. In response to a commercial that ran in the late 1960s claiming that “Cars love Shell [gasoline],” Rubin complained that the word love had lost its meaning. How can a word used to describe how cars “feel” about gasoline also be applied to a husband and wife, a parent and child, or a glutton and cupcakes?
Love can be either good or bad, depending on one’s motive and the object of the love (contrast the love in John 3:16 with that noted in 2 Timothy 4:10 and 1 John 2:15). A survey of key Old and New Testament passages directs us properly.
Love and Families
It has been said, “You can choose your friends; family you’re stuck with!” There is a lot of truth in this modern proverb. Some of the most difficult people to love are those we know best.
Our first unit illustrates how love can overcome the most difficult challenges in family life. Joseph was an insufferable little brother who received special treatment from his dad. AAer his brothers faked his death and sold him into slavery, Joseph could have let any love for his family die. Yet a love that kept him faithful to God did more than allow him to survive. In Joseph we see a persevering love. This love that began with dedication to God kept on loving those who betrayed him.
Love Beyond Allies
Over the last decade (at least), American politics has become increasingly more partisan, emphasizing divisions rather than points of agreement. We have seen the effects of raw tribalism. Is love reserved for those who agree with us? We wring our hands, looking for a better way.
Our second unit examines the better way. We see those who practiced a risky love, a love that reached beyond one’s faction. Jonathan, son of King Saul, was heir to the throne. David was a populist hero whom Saul saw as a threat to his dynasty. Yet Jonathan and David became fast friends and refused to let political differences sully their relationship. Jesus taught that people could love those who occupied their nation and accept those of a despised ethnic group as neighbors. Finally, Paul poetically described what love could do and what real love should never do.
Love as Selflessness
Robert Ringer, a businessman and motivational speaker in the 1970s, directed those looking to succeed in life to the path of Winning Through Intimidation and Looking Out for #1. His books claimed that the only way to thrive in a hostile world was to practice a selfish love that kept one from being manipulated by others.
Our third unit demonstrates how the first-century church was characterized by those who put others before themselves. Jesus set the example as he shared a Passover meal with his disciples. Instead of being a domineering boss, Jesus took the role of a servant. He encouraged his disciples to abide in his love, following that example in daily life. The apostle John counseled believers to practice Jesus’ love confidently. The earliest Christians selflessly gave to fellow believers—to the point where no one lacked what was needed. Finally, James warned fellow believers to show love without partiality.
The world may say that cars love gasoline, that opponents of any kind do not deserve love, or that true love is looking out only for ourselves. But we know that love has a very real meaning. We love because we are recipients of divine love!
by Jim Eichenberger
Unit 1: Struggles with Love
| Date | Title | Bible Text |
| September 6 | Biased Love | Genesis 37:2–11, 23–24a, 28 |
| September 13 | Obedient Love | Genesis 41:25–33, 37–40, 50–52 |
| September 20 | Victorious Love | Genesis 42:6–25 |
| September 27 | Revealed Love | Genesis 45:1–8, 10–15 |
Unit 2: Inclusive Love
| Date | Title | Bible Text |
| October 4 | Love that Intercedes | 1 Samuel 19:1–7 |
| October 11 | Love for Enemies | Luke 6:27–36 |
| October 18 | Love for Neighbors | Luke 10:25–37 |
| October 25 | Love Never Fails | 1 Corinthians 13:1–13 |
Unit 3: Godly Love Among Believers
| Date | Title | Bible Text |
| November 1 | Serving Love | John 13:1–15, 34–35 |
| November 8 | Abiding Love | John 15:4–17 |
| November 15 | Confident Love | 1 John 3:11–24 |
| November 22 | Responsive Love | Acts 4:32–5:11 |
| November 29 | Impartial Love | James 2:1–13 |