1 Corinthians 13 for Life Groups

Sometimes we put limits on the truths of the Bible.  We might read a certain verse or passage, connect it to on particular area of life, and then only apply that truth to that one particular situation.  One of the best examples of this is 1 Corinthians 13 (The Love Chapter) being applied only to marriage because it is often read at weddings.  In actuality, when Paul wrote these words, it had nothing to do with weddings and couples falling in love.  He wrote these words to reveal what Godly love looks like in our communities when expressed in it's purest form.  Through this chapter, Paul asks us the question, "What does the love of Christ look like when shown to those close to us, those in our churches, families and those in Life Groups?"  

Let's take a look at the familiar 8 points of 1 Corinthians and apply them specifically to our Life Groups:

1.  Love is Patient -  The most important aspect of patience is that it frees the Holy Spirit to work in our lives as well as others.  Think about people in your group that are growing in faith.  Let's be honest, it can be frustrating as we wait for God to work in others live.  When we have patience, we leave the transformation up to God and allow Him to work through us and the group as a whole.  We also need patience when our groups seem to be stagnate or stuck in a season of spiritual dryness.  And how many of us have had to bite our tongues with the well intended group member that always seems to find a way of connecting the topic to a completely unrelated personal life story?

2.  Love is Kind - If you're a type A personality, this one might be a bit more difficult.  But remember, love has less to do with how we feel, and more to do with our actions.  Godly kindness takes more than just offering some kind words to someone, but calls us to show genuine concern, a gentle spirit, compassion, benevolence, sympathy and even empathy.  It requires God's Spirit to express the deep inner emotions that will transcend to the person in need.

3.  Love does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud - How do you react when someone in the groups gets a brand new home, car or a huge promotion at work?  And if something like this blesses your life, do you find a way to slip it into the conversation and subtly brag about it?  These kind of attitudes are common, but they destroy the natural flow of love in our groups.  They hinder God working through His Spirit and can create division if left unchecked.  If you truly love those in your Life Group, you will celebrate the blessings in their lives, even if they are presented in a boastful way.    

4.  Love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking - This one can be tough for leaders because it's easy to allow pride to sneak in and reveal selfishness.  This point can be subtle and corrode the health of a group over time.  That little snide remark to that one person that is always late, might cause them to just not show up at all.  There may be someone in your group whose personality just gets under your skin, so you slowly exclude them from conversation.  Self-seeking attitudes can hurt the entire group, not just the individual and are revealed when we feel we have to appear better than we really are.   This point can produce the antithesis of love, rather than pure love from God.

5.  Love is not easily angered - Anger is not only manifest in an explosive temper, but can reveal itself in frustration, annoyance, irritation and to connect with our first point, lack of patience.  This aspect can destroy a group because it cause discomfort, disunity and anger being expressed in others.  Does this mean that our groups can never participate in passion discussions?  Of course not.  But remember that there is a fine line between discussion and disagreements and anger.  Approach conflicts and disputes with love first and foremost.   

6.  Love keeps no record of wrongs - The closer your group grows and the more intimate you become, the more life issues will be shared.  When these issues are shared, many times they are revealed in failures, disappointments and sin.  When these areas of life are shared, confessed and worked through, disregard them completely.  Unless the person is asking to be held accountable for something, the group should act as if the particular sin was never mentioned.  Just as Christ forgets our sins, this is the ultimate expression of love to one another.   

7.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth - Building a little on the previous point, this area usually deals with sin issues and can be a bit difficult and messy. Of course, we want to avoid even the hint of evil in our groups, but when it shows up, we have to deal with it immediately.  Ignoring the issue will only make matters worse and ultimately effect the overall health of the group.  And addressing the issue without love, can be worse than ignoring it all together.               

8.  Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails - Verses 7 and 8 represent the fruit of love in it's most essential manifestation.  When people feel protected and loved, they open themselves up to trusting you, and allowing you to trust them.  Hope begins to build in your Life Group because love is transforming hearts and your community.  How do we know?  Because Love Never Fails!