An activity focused on unselfish love…
Things you’ll need:
- Snack or dessert
- Utensils and napkins
- Craft supplies
- Bible
Faith Talk: The usage of the word “LOVE” is both versatile and varied.
- I LOVE pizza.
- I LOVE a beautiful sunset.
- I LOVE God.
- I LOVE the smell of roses.
- I LOVE you.
Discuss things that your family loves. How are these emotions the same and/or different? “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other” (John 13:34a). What does it mean to “love each other”? Share how you have demonstrated love toward one another this past week. Ask: “What do you see when you look in the mirror?” To demonstrate unselfish love, select two family members to sit approximately three feet apart, directly facing one another. Explain that sitting in this position reflects a mirror image. In this activity, one person looks in the “mirror” (the looker) and the other person (the reflector) reflects their image and their actions. For example: If the looker scratches his head, makes a silly face, or turns their head side to side, the reflector mimics their movement. Take turns being the looker and the reflector. Discuss how carefully and exactly the reflector must be to accurately reflect his/her movements. He/she has to watch and respond to be an effective reflector. Read the second half of verse 34 and notice how we are to love each other. “Just as I have loved you, you should love each other” (John 13:34b). Discuss examples of how Jesus loved people while He was here on earth and how He continues to loves us today. Building on the theme of unselfish love, prepare a snack or dessert for an object lesson and example. Instead of feeding yourself, have each person unselfishly (and kindly) feed someone else. Whoever becomes selfish (choosing to feed themselves, not responding to their partners requests, etc.) loses their food. A parent may want to cheat for an example of how selfishness makes us a loser. Repeat this jingle: unselfish love is from above. Use craft supplies to make Love cards for someone this week.