(5–8 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will discuss God’s perfect love.
State that relationships can be hard to navigate. Say: There are times in our lives when we all will experience disappointment or hurt at the hands of others. Ask: Who has the power of disappointing or hurting us? (friends not considering your feelings, family neglecting you, or a significant other disappointing you) Point out that this hurt is inescapable, because no one is perfect, everyone will eventually let us down. Say: No one is ever going to be able to give you everything you need emotionally, physically, or spiritually. There is only one perfect love––the love of God.
Ask: How can we know that God will never let us down, will never hurt us, and will never abandon us? (We might not understand God’s action or inaction, but everything God does is done out of love; there is absolutely nothing that can be done to lose God’s love.) Emphasize that, when we hurt, when we suffer, and when no one else can help, God is there. Say: God sent His Son to die on the cross to save the world. Discuss: How is the birth of Jesus the ultimate example of God’s love for us? How does the knowledge of God’s unconditional love affect how we live our lives? Conclude that God’s love should inspire us to share the message of God’s love with others. Close by praying that learners will take comfort knowing that God loves them and will never abandon them in their time of need.