By Michael C. Mack

1. Which of these love songs best communicates how you feel about loving fellow church members? Why? (a) “Love Stinks” (b) “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” (c) “Love Is a Many-
Splendored Thing” (d) “All You Need Is Love” (e) “Love Takes Time” (f) “I Honestly Love You” (g) Other ____

Read 1 Corinthians 13. 

2. This familiar passage is often associated with marriage. What was the actual context for Paul’s discussion about love? (See 12:31; 14:1.)

3. What does it look like in the church when spiritual gifts are used without love? 

4. What does it look like in the church when love motivates the use of spiritual gifts?

5. Paul was addressing a church dealing with envy, division, selfishness, lawsuits, and disgraceful behavior. He was teaching them what real love is (and isn’t). Which aspects of his teaching do you especially need to hear today in your church?

6. End this meeting with a time for personal reflection and prayer. Each person will read the list of love attributes in verses 4-7, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal where you can mature. Think in terms of your love for people in your family, small group, workplace, and neighborhood. Ask the Spirit to convict you in areas where you can grow into a deeper love for others.

Michael Mack leads church training events and consults with churches through his ministry, Small Group Leadership (www.smallgroupleadership.com).