Ah, February! The month of hearts and cards and flowers. This month, as we celebrate love, let’s take a moment to think about what love really is. According to the Bible, love involves much more than a token gift of heart-shaped candies. Love has many sides to it, but one aspect of biblical love is service. Believers are called to serve the Lord as they serve each other. The Apostle Paul made this clear to the Corinthian believers when he said, “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14).
When you think of loving through service, you might think of how you serve your family or your employer . . . but what about your Sunday school class?
Do you love to teach your Sunday school class? Many Sunday school teachers would say they “like” to teach, but here are some tips to help you really “love” it!
- L—Learn: Take time to learn some spiritual and historical background on each lesson by reading the Prepare to Share section. This will not only give you a deeper understanding of what you will present, but also help you confidently answer some of those hard questions from your most precocious students.
- O—Organize: Although Answers Bible Curriculum is scripted for you, it’s extremely helpful to read through each lesson so that you’re familiar with the content before you begin. Use the Prep Chart at the front of each lesson to determine which activities and games you will do so you can come prepared.
- V—Value: Remember that God has placed you and these students together for a reason. Value your students and your class time by doing everything to the best of your ability, then trust God for the outcome.
- E—Enjoy: Rejoice that God has called you to share his truth with your students! Try to put aside distracting thoughts and worries so you can give them your undivided attention. Relax and enjoy your students—listen to them, laugh with them, and get to know them as special individuals.
As you practice this often-forgotten facet of love toward your Sunday school class, your students will learn from your example to serve each other and the Lord in love.