Teaching Children About True Love Through Scripture and Service
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Teaching children about true love is one of the greatest gifts parents can give. True love, as defined by Jesus Christ, is selfless, unconditional, and rooted in service. By grounding these lessons in scripture and practical experiences, we can help children internalize Christ’s teachings and develop a lifelong commitment to loving God and others.
The Foundation: True Love in Scripture
Scripture provides a timeless guide to understanding true love. Passages like John 13:34 and 1 Corinthians 13 offer valuable insights that resonate across ages.
John 13:34
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
This verse emphasizes the selfless and unconditional nature of Christlike love. Jesus calls us to emulate His love by treating others with kindness, compassion, and understanding.
1 Corinthians 13
Known as the “love chapter,” 1 Corinthians 13 describes the characteristics of true love:
- “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)
These qualities offer a practical framework for teaching children how to love as Christ loves.
Incorporating Scripture in Family Lessons
- Family Scripture Studies
Dedicate a weekly family study session to exploring passages about love. Begin with John 13:34 or 1 Corinthians 13, and ask questions like:- How did Jesus show love in His life?What does it mean to love others as Christ loves us?
- Scripture Memory Challenges
Encourage children to memorize verses about love. Offer small rewards or celebrate milestones to make it fun and engaging. - Journaling Reflections
Provide children with journals where they can write about acts of love they performed or witnessed that week. Tie these reflections back to scripture to reinforce the connection.
Check out our kids gratitude journals available in print and digital download editions.
Learning Through Service
Service is one of the most effective ways to teach children about Christlike love. When children actively serve others, they learn to put love into action, mirroring the Savior’s example.
Ideas for Family Service Projects
- Making Care Packages
Assemble care packages for local shelters or missionaries. Include essentials like toiletries, snacks, and handwritten notes with uplifting messages and scripture verses about love. - Neighborhood Acts of Kindness
Encourage children to help neighbors by raking leaves, shoveling snow, or delivering baked goods. Pair these acts with a discussion about how Jesus served others. - Family Volunteer Days
Dedicate a day to volunteering as a family. Whether it’s at a food pantry, animal shelter, or community garden, involve children in choosing the project to help them feel invested. - Visiting the Elderly
Spend time with residents at a nursing home or visit a lonely neighbor. Children can bring cards, sing songs, or simply offer their presence as a gesture of love.
Personal Story: Love in Action
One family shared how they taught their children about love through a simple service project. Each week, they chose a “secret service assignment,” such as leaving kind notes for each family member or cleaning a sibling’s room.
The parents paired these acts with scripture study, emphasizing John 13:34. “It became a fun tradition,” the mother explained. “Our kids began to look for opportunities to serve on their own, which made our home a happier place.”
Reflective Questions for Families
- How does Christ’s example of love inspire the way you interact with family and friends?
- What are some small acts of love your family can do this week to serve others?
- How can scripture study help your family better understand the meaning of true love?
- What qualities of love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13, do you want to focus on in your home?
Practical Tips for Parents
- Model Christlike Love: Children learn best by example. Show patience, kindness, and forgiveness in your interactions with them and others.
- Make Service Fun: Turn service projects into games or challenges to keep children engaged and excited.
- Celebrate Love: Recognize and celebrate acts of love within your family. Create a “love board” where family members can write down and share the kind things others have done for them.
- Connect Love to Daily Life: Use everyday moments to teach about love, such as thanking a child for sharing or praising them for helping a sibling.
The Eternal Impact of Teaching True Love
Teaching children about true love through scripture and service creates a foundation for lifelong discipleship. By grounding their understanding of love in the gospel of Jesus Christ, they will be better equipped to navigate relationships, overcome challenges, and serve others with compassion.
As families strive to live by the Savior’s teachings, they not only draw closer to Him but also create homes filled with peace, joy, and unity. True love is a gift that transforms hearts, strengthens bonds, and reflects the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.
How do you teach your children about true love? Let us know in the comments below?
Hoping your day is filled with true love,
Vanessa Rooney – LDS Mum
