I wanted to open this article with a definition of love, but as I looked around I found a variety of definitions for love. So, I am going to go with the simplest shortest definition of love from the Bible. 1 John 4:8b says, “God is Love.” We see that God’s love causes him to act. Two of the actions we see from God’s love are sacrifice and commitment. Love requires sacrifice and commitment. So how do we teach our kids to love?
Example:
As with anything you are trying to teach your children it starts with your example. I would be tempted to point out all the sacrifices I have made for my kids. After all I have no time for myself, am constantly cleaning and caring for my kids, and I even drive a minivan . Why, because I love them, so I do it with joy (most of the time). Unfortunately most kids won’t get the example of your sacrificial, committed love for them till years later. An example they will see is how your love is displayed to you spouse and your friends. Married parents, the loving actions your child sees in your relationship will be the foundation for how they love. Single parents, your key relationships with your best friend, sister, brother, father, and/or mother will be an example of how to love to your child. How does your love for these people in your life show your commitment to them? What sacrifices do you make for those you love?
Story:
Read: John 13:15 NLT says, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
This verse shares about a sacrificial love. Sacrificial love is a love that shows itself by giving up something for the person it cares about.
Ask your child:
How has Jesus showed his sacrificial love for you?
Can you think of a story of sacrificial love from your life?
How can you selflessly serve the ones you love?
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