Love - Lesson 5: Love Lived Out (3) – Does not Envy / Is not Jealous

Love

Lesson 5: Love Lived Out (3) – Does not Envy / Is not Jealous

1 Corinthians 13:4b love doesn’t envy

1 Corinthians 13:4b [LEB] love is not jealous

ENVY, v.t.

1. To feel uneasiness, mortification or discontent, at the sight of superior excellence, reputation or happiness enjoyed by another; to repine at another's prosperity; to fret or grieve one's self at the real or supposed superiority of another, and to hate him on that account.

Envy not thou the oppressor. Prov.3.

Whoever envies another, confesses his superiority.

“envy.” Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2015. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/envy (26 August 2015).

ENVY, n.

1. a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, possessions, etc.

"envy." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 27 Aug. 2015. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/envy>.

JEALOUS, a.

2. Suspicious that we do not enjoy the affection or respect of others, or that another is more loved and respected than ourselves.

3. Emulous; full of competition.

“jealous.” Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2015. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/jealous (26 August 2015).

The Main Points for This Lesson:

This series of lessons will center around love as seen in chapter 13 of the apostle Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians. The purpose of these lessons is to teach about love: love's importance; what love looks like lived out, including what it is and what it isn't, and what it does and what it doesn't do; love's greatness.

In describing love, the apostle Paul first says that love is patient and love is kind. He then begins to tell us some things that love is not. In this description of love, we are faces with our own behaviors, choices, attitudes and actions. We are confronted with the fact of the true nature of these things in our lives. We can no longer so easily talk of our love for others while going on in our pride, envy, or self-seeking, etc.

Eight things are listed, one after the other, describing what love is not or does not. While they are individual items, they are all in some way connected to the other items around them. What would happen to our envying if our pride were put away? If we didn't count our own self and our own way most important, would we be so easily provoked when others do not treat us and our way as most important?

Love does not envy, or love is not jealous. The first of these eight items is that love does not envy, or it is not jealous. In life, we meet others who possess more or better things, who have attained more or better success, who are more intelligent or wiser, who have or are in some way more or better. Envy is not just see this about others. In seeing this, we are unhappy, miserable, or discontent. We cannot rejoice with those who rejoice, because of envy.

Love does not envy. Love can see that others may in some way be or have more or better. Seeing this does not lead love to unhappiness. Rather, love rejoices with those who rejoice. Love is happy when others do well. Love thanks God when another walks in obedience to God. When two men prophesied in the camp, Joshua was not happy. Envy was whispering in his ear. Moses, upon hearing of these two men, demonstrated his love for God's children when he wished that all of God's people would prophesy, possessing God's Spirit (Numbers 11:24-30). When David slew Goliath, the women praised David higher than King Saul. Instead of rejoicing that a mighty enemy of God's people was destroyed, King Saul was unhappy that David was praised more than he was (1 Samuel 18:6-9). In that, he did not show a love for God's people, but a self-seeking attitude.

Do not envy the wicked. It seems that envy is never good. Yet it should be noted that there is more than one object of envy. If someone does a good deed, we ought to rejoice, rather than envy, being unhappy because they did it and I didn't. However, we are warned many times that we should not envy the wicked. Perhaps in pursuing wickedness, men have gained more power, possessions, position, etc. We should never envy them. They will quickly pass away, finding only God's wrath in the end. In the case of the wicked, we should not envy, nor are we called to rejoice in their gains through wickedness. In this case, love does not rejoice in, or even desire, their possessions, power, or position. Rather, love sees the lost and enslaved state of their soul, and desires what it for the eternal health of their soul.

Love does not envy because love desires what is good for others. Love is happy when others are blessed. In the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), the older brother becomes angry when he hears his younger brother has returned and a feast has been prepared for him. On the other hand, the father rejoiced at the humble and repentant return of his younger son. Love does not become unhappy at the well-being of others. Love delights in the good of its neighbor.

Suggestions:

To open the lesson, pray for the teacher and the students.

Let the children know that we are having some lessons on 1 Corinthians 13, about love. While 1 Corinthians 13 is not the only place God teaches us about love, it provides a very helpful, practical, and (perhaps) easily understood description of love.

In this lesson, we will learn about what love looks like lived out in our lives.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4b. “Love does not envy” is the focus of this lesson. Give a simple explanation of what it means to envy. To envy is to be unhappy because someone else has more or does better or is better than us in some way. Envy is similar to coveting, but not the same. Coveting is wanting what another person has. Envying is being unhappy because they have it.

Once it seems the children understand what it means to envy, you can ask them if they have ever envied someone.

Read the story of the two men prophesying in the camp in Numbers 11:24-30. This story gives an example of envy (Joshua) and of love not envying (Moses). Ask some questions. Who envied? Who did not envy?

Read the story of David and King Saul in 1 Samuel 18:6-9. Let the children know that this takes place after David killed Goliath (see verse 6). Ask some questions. What did the women say about David? What did they say about King Saul? When King Saul heard this, what was his response? Why do you think he responded this way? David had just killed Goliath, who was a strong enemy of the Israelites. Does King Saul's response show that he was thankful or that he loved God's people first, or does it show that he cared about himself first?

Ask the children again if they can think of a time when they have envied. If they can think of such a time, ask them how they might have responded differently if they had been guided by love instead of by envy.

To close the lesson, pray with the children (perhaps that we could learn to serve one another through love) and have all the children read the Lord's prayer together.

Stories:

Numbers 11:24-30 [24] Moses went out, and told the people Yahweh’s words; and he gathered seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them around the Tent. [25] Yahweh came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was on him, and put it on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did so no more. [26] But two men remained in the camp. The name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the Spirit rested on them; and they were of those who were written, but had not gone out to the Tent; and they prophesied in the camp. [27] A young man ran, and told Moses, and said, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp!” [28] Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his chosen men, answered, “My lord Moses, forbid them!” [29] Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all Yahweh’s people were prophets, that Yahweh would put his Spirit on them!” [30] Moses went into the camp, he and the elders of Israel.

Moses was the prophet. When two other men were prophesying in the camp, Joshua was unhappy with their blessing. This is envy. Joshua told Moses to forbid these men from prophesying. Moses was not unhappy about this. His concern was not his own glory or position in Israel. Rather, he was concerned first with the eternal souls of God's people.

1 Samuel 18:6-9 [6] As they came, when David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with instruments of music. [7] The women sang one to another as they played, and said, “Saul has slain his thousands, David his ten thousands.” [8] Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands. What can he have more but the kingdom?” [9] Saul eyed David from that day and forward.

More Stories and Examples:

Genesis 37:3-11,18-20 [3] Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a coat of many colors. [4] His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn’t speak peaceably to him. [5] Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him all the more. [6] He said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: [7] for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and behold, your sheaves came around, and bowed down to my sheaf.” [8] His brothers said to him, “Will you indeed reign over us? Or will you indeed have dominion over us?” They hated him all the more for his dreams and for his words. [9] He dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brothers, and said, “Behold, I have dreamed yet another dream: and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars bowed down to me.” [10] He told it to his father and to his brothers. His father rebuked him, and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves down to you to the earth?” [11] His brothers envied him, but his father kept this saying in mind. [18] They saw him afar off, and before he came near to them, they conspired against him to kill him. [19] They said one to another, “Behold, this dreamer comes. [20] Come now therefore, and let’s kill him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say, ‘An evil animal has devoured him.’ We will see what will become of his dreams.”

Acts 7:9 “The patriarchs, moved with jealousy against Joseph, sold him into Egypt. God was with him,

Psalm 106:16-18 [16] They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron, Yahweh’s saint. [17] The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram. [18] A fire was kindled in their company. The flame burned up the wicked.

Matthew 27:15-18 [15] Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner, whom they desired. [16] They had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. [17] When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?” [18] For he knew that because of envy they had delivered him up.

Mark 15:6-14 [6] Now at the feast he used to release to them one prisoner, whom they asked of him. [7] There was one called Barabbas, bound with those who had made insurrection, men who in the insurrection had committed murder. [8] The multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do as he always did for them. [9] Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” [10] For he perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered him up. [11] But the chief priests stirred up the multitude, that he should release Barabbas to them instead. [12] Pilate again asked them, “What then should I do to him whom you call the King of the Jews?” [13] They cried out again, “Crucify him!” [14] Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they cried out exceedingly, “Crucify him!”

Mark 9:38-40 [38] John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone who doesn’t follow us casting out demons in your name; and we forbade him, because he doesn’t follow us.” [39] But Jesus said, “Don’t forbid him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name, and be able quickly to speak evil of me. [40] For whoever is not against us is on our side.

Luke 9:49-50 [49] John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he doesn’t follow with us.” [50] Jesus said to him, “Don’t forbid him, for he who is not against us is for us.”

Luke 15:11-32 [25] “Now his elder son was in the field. As he came near to the house, he heard music and dancing. [26] He called one of the servants to him, and asked what was going on. [27] He said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and healthy.’ [28] But he was angry, and would not go in. Therefore his father came out, and begged him. [29] But he answered his father, ‘Behold, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed a commandment of yours, but you never gave me a goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. [30] But when this, your son, came, who has devoured your living with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’ [31] “He said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. [32] But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.’”

Acts 5:13-18 [13] None of the rest dared to join them, however the people honored them. [14] More believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. [15] They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might overshadow some of them. [16] Multitudes also came together from the cities around Jerusalem, bringing sick people, and those who were tormented by unclean spirits: and they were all healed. [17] But the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy, [18] and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public custody.

Acts 13:42-45 [42] So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. [43] Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking to them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. [44] The next Sabbath almost the whole city was gathered together to hear the word of God. [45] But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed.

3 John 1:9-10 [9] I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say. [10] Therefore if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.

Other Verses:

Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

Job 5:2 For resentment kills the foolish man, and jealousy kills the simple.

Psalm 112:1-10 [1] Praise Yah! Blessed is the man who fears Yahweh, who delights greatly in his commandments. [2] His seed will be mighty in the land. The generation of the upright will be blessed. [3] Wealth and riches are in his house. His righteousness endures forever. [4] Light dawns in the darkness for the upright, gracious, merciful, and righteous. [5] It is well with the man who deals graciously and lends. He will maintain his cause in judgment. [6] For he will never be shaken. The righteous will be remembered forever. [7] He will not be afraid of evil news. His heart is steadfast, trusting in Yahweh. [8] His heart is established. He will not be afraid in the end when he sees his adversaries. [9] He has dispersed, he has given to the poor. His righteousness endures forever. His horn will be exalted with honor. [10] The wicked will see it, and be grieved. He shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away. The desire of the wicked will perish.

The wicked see the prosperity, the blessedness of the upright. When they see it, they are grieved, they are unhappy. The wicked is not happy for another's well-being, but is unhappy that another has received what he does not (and cannot) possess.

Proverbs 14:30 The life of the body is a heart at peace, but envy rots the bones.

Ecclesiastes 4:4 Then I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a man’s neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

Acts 7:9 “The patriarchs, moved with jealousy against Joseph, sold him into Egypt. God was with him,

Romans 1:28-32 [28] Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; [29] being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers, [30] backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [31] without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful; [32] who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.

Romans 13:13-14 [13] Let us walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy. [14] But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 [1] Brothers, I couldn’t speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babies in Christ. [2] I fed you with milk, not with meat; for you weren’t yet ready. Indeed, not even now are you ready, [3] for you are still fleshly. For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren’t you fleshly, and don’t you walk in the ways of men?

2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that by any means, when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don’t desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, riots;

Galatians 5:19-26 [19] Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, [21] envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, [] [23] gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. [25] If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit. [26] Let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.

Philippians 2:3-4 [3] doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; [4] each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.

Love does not count itself best, but others better or more important. Love looks out for the things of others.

James 3:13-18 [13] Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom. [14] But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth. [15] This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. [16] For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. [17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [18] Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 4:5 [KJV] Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

This verse seems to be difficult to translate. The various translations suggest different meanings. This translation suggests the nature of our spirit. As people on this earth, we are inclined to lust to envy. We see the immediate pleasures of the sinful world around us and envy them. In envying them, we lust or desire evil things, and so become adulterers, being friends of the world and enemies of God.

1 Peter 2:1-3 [1] Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking, [2] as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that with it you may grow, [3] if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious:

DON'T ENVY THE WICKED

Psalm 37:1-3 [1] Don’t fret because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness. [2] For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither like the green herb. [3] Trust in Yahweh, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture.

Psalm 73:1-3 [1] Surely God [] is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. [2] But as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped. [3] For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Proverbs 3:31-33 [31] Don’t envy the man of violence. Choose none of his ways. [32] For the perverse is an abomination to Yahweh, but his friendship is with the upright. [33] Yahweh’s curse is in the house of the wicked, but he blesses the habitation of the righteous.

Proverbs 24:1-2 [1] Don’t be envious of evil men; neither desire to be with them: [2] for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about mischief.

Proverbs 24:19-20 [19] Don’t fret yourself because of evildoers; neither be envious of the wicked: [20] for there will be no reward to the evil man; and the lamp of the wicked shall be snuffed out.

Love - Lesson 4: Love Lived Out (2) – Kind

Love

Lesson 4: Love Lived Out (2) – Kind

1 Corinthians 13:4a Love is patient and is kind;

Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

1 John 3:18 My little children, let’s not love in word only, neither with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.

KIND, a.

1. Disposed to do good to others, and to make them happy by granting their requests, supplying their wants or assisting them in distress; having tenderness or goodness of nature; benevolent; benignant.

God is kind to the unthankful, and to the evil. Luke 6.

Be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted. Eph.4.

2. Proceeding from tenderness or goodness of heart; benevolent; as a kind act; a kind return of favors.

“kind.” Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2015. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/kind (30 July 2015).

The Main Points for This Lesson:

This series of lessons will center around love as seen in chapter 13 of the apostle Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians. The purpose of these lessons is to teach about love: love's importance; what love looks like lived out, including what it is and what it isn't, and what it does and what it doesn't do; love's greatness.

The apostle John exhorts us in his first epistle to love others not in word and in tongue only, but to love in deed and in truth. What does love look like in deed and in truth? John gave one example of what this looks like in his epistle (1 John 3:16-18). In 1 Corinthians 13, the apostle Paul provides us with some principles about what love looks like in deed and in truth. He begins by providing two positive characteristics or principles about love. The second of these is that love is kind.

Love is kind. Love does good to others, and takes an interest in the good of others. To be kind is to help others, especially those in need in some form or another. Everyone, from the poorest to the richest person, is in need. God is kind to us. The prophets spoke and wrote over and over of the loving-kindness of the Lord toward us. Our heavenly Father has helped us in our need (and helps us still), whether that need is related to our body, soul or spirit, and so we ought to be kind to one another.

The love commanded by God (and first demonstrated by God to us) is real and practical. This love is not first and foremost an emotion or feeling, though it may result in emotions or feelings (we don't have to wait for the feelings or emotions associated with love before we begin to love another). This love is made of real actions, choices and attitudes. So then, let us not grow weary in doing good. God has promised a harvest to those who persevere in doing good to others, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

Suggestions:

To open the lesson, pray for the teacher and the students.

Let the children know that we are having some lessons on 1 Corinthians 13, about love. While 1 Corinthians 13 is not the only place God teaches us about love, it provides a very helpful, practical, and (perhaps) easily understood description of love.

In this lesson, we will learn about what love looks like lived out in our lives.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4a. Being kind is the focus of this lesson. Ask the children if they can explain what it means to be kind to others. Have they been kind to someone? How were they kind? Has anyone shown kindness to them? How?

Tell them the story of David showing kindness to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:1-13. How did David show kindness to Mephibosheth? Has God helped us in some way? How has God been kind to us?

Ask the children if they can think of one way they could show kindness to someone else.

To close the lesson, pray with the children (perhaps that we could learn to serve one another through love) and have all the children read the Lord's prayer together.

Stories:

2 Samuel 9:1-13 [1] David said, “Is there yet any who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”

King David shows kindness to Mephibosheth, a son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul.

More Stories and Examples:

Deuteronomy 22:1-4 [1] You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep go astray, and hide yourself from them. You shall surely bring them again to your brother. [2] If your brother isn’t near to you, or if you don’t know him, then you shall bring it home to your house, and it shall be with you until your brother comes looking for it, and you shall restore it to him. [3] So you shall do with his donkey. So you shall do with his garment. So you shall do with every lost thing of your brother’s, which he has lost, and you have found. You may not hide yourself. [4] You shall not see your brother’s donkey or his ox fallen down by the way, and hide yourself from them. You shall surely help him to lift them up again.

Joshua 2:1-21 [12] Now therefore, please swear to me by Yahweh, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a true token; [13] and that you will save alive my father, my mother, my brothers, and my sisters, and all that they have, and will deliver our lives from death.” [14] The men said to her, “Our life for yours, if you don’t talk about this business of ours; and it shall be, when Yahweh gives us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you.”

Rahab hid the spies who came to Jericho when they were in danger and needed help. She showed kindness to them.

2 Samuel 2:5-6 [5] David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, “Blessed are you by Yahweh, that you have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him. [6] Now may Yahweh show loving kindness and truth to you. I also will reward you for this kindness, because you have done this thing.

2 Samuel 10:1-2 [1] After this, the king of the children of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. [2] David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent by his servants to comfort him concerning his father. David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.

2 Chronicles 24:17-22 [17] Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king listened to them. [18] They abandoned the house of Yahweh, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherah poles and the idols; and wrath came on Judah and Jerusalem for this their guiltiness. [19] Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again to Yahweh; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear. [20] The Spirit of God came on Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest; and he stood above the people, and said to them, “Thus says God, ‘Why do you disobey the commandments of Yahweh, so that you can’t prosper? Because you have forsaken Yahweh, he has also forsaken you.’” [21] They conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of Yahweh’s house. [22] Thus Joash the king didn’t remember the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but killed his son. When he died, he said, “May Yahweh look at it, and repay it.”

The priest Jehoiada showed kindness to Joash by protecting him as a child, by establishing him as king, and by guiding him in the right way. Joash did not show kindness to Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada.

Acts 28:1-2 [1] When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta. [2] The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

Other Verses:

Genesis 40:12-15 [12] Joseph said to him, “This is its interpretation: the three branches are three days. [13] Within three more days, Pharaoh will lift up your head, and restore you to your office. You will give Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, the way you did when you were his cup bearer. [14] But remember me when it will be well with you, and please show kindness to me, and make mention of me to Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house. [15] For indeed, I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.”

Job 24:21 He devours the barren who don’t bear. He shows no kindness to the widow.

Psalm 109:15-16 [15] Let them be before Yahweh continually, that he may cut off their memory from the earth; [16] because he didn’t remember to show kindness, but persecuted the poor and needy man, the broken in heart, to kill them.

Proverbs 3:3 Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart.

Proverbs 14:31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him.

Proverbs 19:22 That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar.

Proverbs 21:21 He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor.

Proverbs 31:26 [ASV] She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law [Or teaching] of kindness is on her tongue.

Hosea 10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap according to kindness. Break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek Yahweh, until he comes and rains righteousness on you.

Hosea 12:6 Therefore turn to your God. Keep kindness and justice, and wait continually for your God.

Zechariah 7:8-10 [8] Yahweh’s word came to Zechariah, saying, [9] “Thus has Yahweh of Armies spoken, saying, ‘Execute true judgment, and show kindness and compassion every man to his brother. [10] Don’t oppress the widow, nor the fatherless, the foreigner, nor the poor; and let none of you devise evil against his brother in your heart.’

Matthew 5:43-45 [43] “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.

Acts 20:35 In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Romans 12:17-21 [17] Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. [18] If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. [19] Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” [20] Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.” [21] Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

2 Corinthians 6:3-6 [3] We give no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our service may not be blamed, [4] but in everything commending ourselves, as servants of God, in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, [5] in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; [6] in pureness, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love,

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

Galatians 6:7-10 [7] Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. [8] For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. [9] Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. [10] So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

Ephesians 4:31-32 [31] Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. [32] And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

Colossians 3:12-14 [12] Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; [13] bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. [14] Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.

Titus 2:3-5 [3] and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good; [4] that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, [5] to be sober minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that God’s word may not be blasphemed.

1 John 3:16-18 [16] By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. [17] But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does the love of God remain in him? [18] My little children, let’s not love in word only, neither with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.

Love - Lesson 3: Love Lived Out (1) – Patient

Love

Lesson 3: Love Lived Out (1) – Patient

1 Corinthians 13:4a Love is patient and is kind;

1 John 3:18 My little children, let’s not love in word only, neither with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.

PATIENT, a.

1. Having the quality of enduring evils without murmuring or fretfulness; sustaining afflictions of body or mind with fortitude, calmness or christian submission to the divine will; as a patient person, or a person of patient temper. It is followed by of before the evil endured; as patient of labor or pain; patient of heat or cold.

2. Not easily provoked; calm under the sufferance of injuries or offenses; not revengeful.

Be patient towards all men. 1 Thess.5.

3. Persevering; constant in pursuit or exertion; calmly diligent.

Whatever I have done is due to patient thought.

4. Not hasty; not over eager or impetuous; waiting or expecting with calmness or without discontent.

Not patient to expect the turns of fate.

“patient.” Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2015. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/patient (30 July 2015).

LONG'SUF'FERING, a.

Bearing injuries or provocation for a long time; patient; not easily provoked.

The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in goodness. Ex. 34.

“longsuffering.” Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2015. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/longsuffering (30 July 2015).

The Main Points for This Lesson:

This series of lessons will center around love as seen in chapter 13 of the apostle Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians. The purpose of these lessons is to teach about love: love's importance; what love looks like lived out, including what it is and what it isn't, and what it does and what it doesn't do; love's greatness.

The apostle John exhorts us in his first epistle to love others not in word and in tongue only, but to love in deed and in truth. What does love look like in deed and in truth? John gave one example of what this looks like in his epistle (1 John 3:16-18). In 1 Corinthians 13, the apostle Paul provides us with some principles about what love looks like in deed and in truth. He begins by providing two positive characteristics or principles about love. The first of these is that love is patient.

Love is patient or suffers long (is long-suffering). Love is patient with others. It suffers long with others. While James did not use the word love, it seem appropriate to use his words in this matter. Love is quick to hear, but love is slow to speak and slow to anger. In its patience, love is willing to suffer because of others actions, choices or attitudes, as it strives to help them change or grow (grow up from childishness to a mature man). Love does not approve of sin or treat it as good, but it waits calmly while desiring the good of the sinner. God is patient with all men. He does not approve of sin, and will one day judge all men. Yet, he is patient. He waits to judge so that all men, you and I included, may have an opportunity to repent and turn to God. To love this love, to be patient with all men, we must trust in God, not fretting about others and what they do, but waiting for the Lord to work out the situation at the proper time.

The love commanded by God (and first demonstrated by God to us) is real and practical. This love is not first and foremost an emotion or feeling, though it may result in emotions or feelings (we don't have to wait for the feelings or emotions associated with love before we begin to love another). This love is made of real actions, choices and attitudes.

Suggestions:

To open the lesson, pray for the teacher and the students.

Let the children know that we are having some lessons on 1 Corinthians 13, about love. While 1 Corinthians 13 is not the only place God teaches us about love, it provides a very helpful, practical, and (perhaps) easily understood description of love.

In this lesson, we will learn about what love looks like lived out in our lives.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4a. Being patient is the focus of this lesson. Ask the children if they can explain what it means to be patient. Have they been patient with anyone? Has anyone been patient with them?

Tell them the story of the two servants in debt in Matthew 18:23-35. Point out that they both asked for patience. Did the first servant show patience toward his fellow servant?

Read 2 Peter 3:9. What is this saying about God being patient with us? Do you think God has to suffer with us doing bad things as he waits for us to repent? Do you think such a God would want to help us be patient with others?

Ask the children if they can think of some situations with others in which they could be patient.

To close the lesson, pray with the children (perhaps that we could learn to serve one another through love) and have all the children read the Lord's prayer together.

Stories:

Matthew 18:23-35 [26] The servant therefore fell down and kneeled before him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’ [27] The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. [28] “But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him, and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ [29] “So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you!’ [30] He would not, but went and cast him into prison, until he should pay back that which was due.

The first servant asked for patience. He was shown mercy. The second servant asked for patience but received only wrath from his fellow servant. While the first servant was forgiven all his debt, that same servant was unwilling to even be patient with his fellow servant, allowing him more time to pay back his debt.

More Stories and Examples:

1 Samuel 25:2-35

David was not patient with Nabal. When Nabal refused to show kindness to David and his men, David was not slow to anger against him.

1 Timothy 1:12-16 [12] And I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service; [13] although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. [14] The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. [15] The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. [16] However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Other Verses:

Psalm 37:7-9 [7] Rest in Yahweh, and wait patiently for him. Don’t fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who makes wicked plots happen. [8] Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don’t fret, it leads only to evildoing. [9] For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for Yahweh shall inherit the land.

Proverbs 15:18 A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.

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

Galatians 6:9-10 [9] Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. [10] So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

Ephesians 4:1-2 [1] I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, [2] with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love;

Colossians 3:12-14 [12] Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; [13] bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. [14] Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.

1 Thessalonians 5:13b-15 [13b] Be at peace among yourselves. [14] We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage the faint-hearted, support the weak, be patient toward all. [15] See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all.

1 Timothy 6:11 But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.

2 Timothy 2:24-26 [24] The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient, [25] in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth, [26] and they may recover themselves out of the devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to his will.

2 Timothy 3:10-11 [10] But you did follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, [11] persecutions, and sufferings: those things that happened to me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I endured those persecutions. The Lord delivered me out of them all.

2 Timothy 4:1-4 [1] I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom: [2] preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching. [3] For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts; [4] and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables.

Titus 2:1-2 [1] But say the things which fit sound doctrine, [2] that older men should be temperate, sensible, sober minded, sound in faith, in love, and in patience:

James 1:19-20 [19] So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; [20] for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God.