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Galatians 5:22,23--But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

WHAT IS LOVE?  

Popular misconceptions: 

• Love is only a feeling. 
• Love is uncontrollable.  

What God says about love: 

• Love is a matter of choice. (Colossians 3:12-14) 
• Love is a matter of conduct. (1 John 3:18) 

HOW DOES LOVE ACT? 

1. Love is alive when it has patience. 

1 Corinthians 13:4--Love is patient... 

Ephesians 4:2 (LB)--Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. 

2. Love is alive when it cares. 

1 Corinthians 13:4--...love is kind... 

Ephesians 4:32 (LB)--Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you. 

• Tenderhearted 

• Forgiving 

3. Love is alive when it's secure. 

1 Corinthians 13:4b--It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 

4. Love is alive when it is giving. 

1 Corinthians 13:5--It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 

5. Love is alive when it acts its way into feeling. 

1 Corinthians 13:7--It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

• How do I keep love alive? 

• How do I handle a love that is dying? 

• What do I do with a love that has died? 

Small Group Discussion Questions: 

1. What are some common misconceptions about love?    
2. Review the points and Bible verses from this lesson. What personal application can you make from this week's teaching? 
3. How can you add security to your relationships? (Be specific.) 
4. Take some time right now to pray for the needs of those in your small group. 

*Scripture is quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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