The Lessons of Love
In this class, we will learn what love really is—not the changing, conditional kind the world offers, but the eternal love of God that never fails. These lessons are not harsh demands but gentle invitations to return to who we truly are. As we walk through each section, we will unlearn fear, undo guilt, and begin to live with the kind of peace that can only come from the Holy Spirit. Love is not something we need to earn—it is something we were created to extend.
1. Introduction
We will begin with the understanding that love and fear cannot coexist. The Holy Spirit’s goal is to teach us to recognize only love as real. Everything else is a call for healing.
📖 Scriptures:
- 1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…”
- John 13:35 – “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
- 1 Corinthians 13:13 – “The greatest of these is love.”
2. The Message of the Crucifixion
We will explore the deeper meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion—not as punishment, but as a powerful demonstration that love cannot be destroyed, even in the face of attack. His message was forgiveness, not sacrifice.
📖 Scriptures:
- Luke 23:34 – “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
- Romans 5:8 – “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
3. The Alternative to Projection
We will learn to stop blaming others for our inner pain. The Holy Spirit shows us that healing begins when we take responsibility for our thoughts and choose forgiveness instead of projection.
📖 Scriptures:
- Matthew 7:3 – “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye…?”
- Galatians 6:5 – “Each one should carry their own load.”
- Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
4. The Relinquishment of Attack
We will discover that attack—whether in thought, word, or deed—only hurts the one who sends it. The way to peace is to let go of the urge to defend or accuse, and instead embrace love.
📖 Scriptures:
- Matthew 5:44 – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
- Romans 12:17–18 – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… If it is possible… live at peace with everyone.”
- Ephesians 4:31 – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger…”
5. The Only Answer
We will come to understand that only love is the answer to every problem. Whether it’s fear, conflict, or guilt—love gently heals and restores.
📖 Scriptures:
- 1 Peter 4:8 – “Love covers over a multitude of sins.”
- John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…”
- Romans 13:10 – “Love does no harm to a neighbor…”
6. The Lessons of the Holy Spirit
We will begin to learn three powerful lessons from the Holy Spirit:
- To have, give all to all.
- To have peace, teach peace to learn it.
-
Be vigilant only for God and His Kingdom.
Each lesson builds our trust in love and teaches us how to live it out.
📖 Scriptures:
- Matthew 10:8 – “Freely you have received; freely give.”
- Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers…”
- Proverbs 4:20–21 – “Pay attention to what I say… keep them within your heart.”
7. To Have, Give All to All
We will see that the more we give love, the more we experience it ourselves. True abundance is not held back—it is shared.
📖 Scriptures:
- Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you…”
- Acts 20:35 – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
- Proverbs 11:25 – “A generous person will prosper…”
8. To Have Peace, Teach Peace to Learn It
We will learn that we only truly learn peace by living it. As we teach peace through our actions, our hearts begin to fully experience it.
📖 Scriptures:
- James 3:18 – “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
- Isaiah 52:7 – “How beautiful… are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace…”
- Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible… live at peace with everyone.”
9. Be Vigilant Only for God and His Kingdom
We will end this class by learning to focus our minds fully on God. This means being aware of any thought that does not reflect love—and choosing again.
📖 Scriptures:
- Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness…”
- Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things above…”
- Philippians 4:8 – “Whatever is true… think about such things.”
✨ Final Reflection
This class teaches us that love is not just a virtue—it’s our true nature. We are not learning to become something new; we are remembering who we were created to be. As we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s lessons of love, fear fades, peace rises, and healing begins—not only in us, but in everyone we touch. Love is the lesson. Love is the answer. Love is the way.
