Jesus Commands Us to Love – Basic 1 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

Love is caring deeply for someone, wanting the best for them and showing kindness. It is shown in actions as well as in words. The Bible says “God is love” (1 John 4:8), and Jesus commands us to love God, to love other people and even to love our enemies.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• say what love is and what it is not
• name the three types of love
• give reasons why Jesus commands us to love one another
• describe the qualities of Christian love, with examples
• list ways to show love and the people we should love
• recall 1 John 4:8, “God is love”

What is love?

Love is:

• Caring deeply for someone
• Wanting the best for others
• Showing kindness
• Giving, not just taking
• Putting others first
• Treating people well

Love is not:

• Just a feeling
• Only words
• Selfish
• Mean or rude

The Bible says: “God is love” (1 John 4:8).

What are the types of love?

1. God’s love for us

• Unconditional
• Never-ending
• Sacrificial (Jesus died for us)

2. Our love for God

• We love Him because He first loved us
• We show love by obeying

3. Our love for others

• This is what Jesus commands
• Love everyone, even enemies!

Why is love important?

1. Love is God’s greatest command
   • Jesus said loving God and loving others are the most important commandments (Matthew 22:37-39)
2. Love shows we are Jesus’ disciples
   • Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35)
   • Our love is our testimony
3. Love fulfils God’s law
   • Romans 13:10 says, “Love is the fulfilment of the law”
   • When we love, we obey all of God’s commands
4. Love brings unity
   • Love brings people together
   • It creates peace
   • Colossians 3:14 says love “binds them all together in perfect unity”
5. Love changes the world
   • When we love, we make the world better
   • Love can transform lives
   • Love conquers hate
6. Love reflects God
   • God is love
   • When we love, we are like God
   • We show His nature
7. Love brings joy
   • Loving others makes us happy
   • Acts 20:35 says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”
8. Love covers sins
   • 1 Peter 4:8 says, “Love covers over a multitude of sins”
   • Love forgives
9. Love never fails
   • 1 Corinthians 13:8 says, “Love never fails”
   • Everything else will pass away
   • But love remains
10. Love leads to eternal life
    • 1 John 3:14 says, “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other”
    • Love shows we belong to God

What are the qualities of Godly (Christian) love?

The Bible describes true Christian love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

Love is patient

• Patient means waiting without complaining
• Not getting angry quickly
• Taking time
• Being calm

Example: When your little brother is slow, do not get angry. Be patient.

Love is kind

• Kind means being nice and helpful
• Doing good things for others
• Speaking gently

Example: Help someone who is struggling.

Love does not envy

• Envy means wanting what others have
• Being jealous
• Christian love is happy for others

Example: If your friend gets a new toy, be happy for them. Do not be jealous.

Love does not boast

• Boast means bragging
• Showing off
• Christian love is humble

Example: Do not brag about your good grades. Be humble.

Love is not proud

• Proud means thinking you are better than others
• Christian love is humble

Example: Do not think you are better than others. We are all equal.

Love does not dishonour others

• Dishonour means being rude or disrespectful
• Christian love respects everyone

Example: Do not make fun of people. Treat everyone with respect.

Love is not self-seeking

• Self-seeking means only thinking about yourself
• Being selfish
• Christian love thinks of others first

Example: Share your snack. Do not keep it all for yourself.

Love is not easily angered

• Does not get mad quickly
• Controls temper
• Stays calm

Example: When someone bumps into you, do not get angry. Forgive them.

Love keeps no record of wrongs

• Does not remember bad things people did
• Does not hold grudges
• Forgives and forgets

Example: If someone hurt you yesterday, do not keep bringing it up. Let it go.

Love does not delight in evil

• Does not like bad things
• Does not enjoy it when others fail
• Hates sin

Example: Do not laugh when someone gets in trouble.

Love rejoices with the truth

• Loves what is right
• Is happy when truth wins
• Supports honesty

Example: Tell the truth even when it is hard.

Love always protects

• Keeps others safe
• Stands up for people
• Defends the weak

Example: Protect your friend from a bully.

Love always trusts

• Believes in people
• Gives the benefit of the doubt
• Has faith in others

Example: Trust your friend when they promise something.

Love always hopes

• Never gives up on people
• Believes things can get better
• Stays optimistic

Example: Hope your friend will change, even if they have been mean.

Love always perseveres

• Persevere means to keep going
• Never gives up
• Keeps loving even when it is hard

Example: Keep loving your difficult classmate.

How can we show love?

1. With words

• Say “I love you”
• Say kind things
• Encourage others

2. With actions

• Help people
• Share your things
• Do good deeds

3. With time

• Spend time with people
• Listen to them
• Be there for them

4. With gifts

• Give presents
• Share what you have
• Be generous

5. With forgiveness

• Forgive those who hurt you
• Do not hold grudges
• Let go of anger

Who should we love?

1. Love God

• With all our heart
• This is the most important love

2. Love your family

• Parents, siblings, relatives
• Show special love to family

3. Love your friends

• Be a good friend
• Care for them

4. Love your neighbours

• People around you
• Classmates, people in your community

5. Love your enemies

• Even people who are mean to you
• Jesus said to love enemies (Matthew 5:44)

6. Love strangers

• Be kind to everyone
• Welcome newcomers

7. Love the poor and needy

• Help those who have less
• Show compassion

8. Love everyone

• No exceptions
• God loves everyone, so should we

Prayer

Dear God,
Thank You for loving me.
Help me to love others.
Give me a kind and patient heart.
Help me to be nice to everyone.
Help me to forgive.
Help me to share.
Fill me with Your love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Evaluation

Choose the correct answer.

1. God is _____.
   • a) hate
   • b) love
   • c) anger
2. Love is _____.
   • a) selfish
   • b) patient and kind
   • c) mean
3. We should love _____.
   • a) only friends
   • b) only family
   • c) everyone
4. Love does not _____.
   • a) give
   • b) boast
   • c) help
5. Jesus said we should even love our _____.
   • a) enemies
   • b) toys
   • c) books

Assignment

1. Show love to 3 different people this week.
2. Memorise: “God is love” (1 John 4:8).
3. Draw a heart and write “Love everyone” inside.
4. Do one act of kindness without being asked.