Stories of Love

I've been working on a new summer camp curriculum for my 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. This Summer we are abandoning the tradition of focusing on one story in the Bible and we are going to lean into the concept that God is Love and we are Loved. Our time together will be spent discovering the core character of who God says He is and what impact His true identity has on our identity. If He is Love and we are a product of His than that also means we are love. My hope is to identify historical evidence of God's love through scripture and then provide my students with modern stories of God's love from people like yourself! If you are interested in writing 1-2 paragraphs about an encounter with God revealing His love to you, would you consider sharing it with me? I will be compiling stories, deleting sources (names of whoever submitted them), and sharing these stories with my students at camp. I believe it is momentous that we, the older generation, make these stories accessible to the young, who are so desperately trying to find The Way in this world.

Below is session 2 of the curriculum I'm writing. Enjoy.

A Never Ending Cycle

GOD'S LOVE FOR HUMANITY IS UNLIMITED AND EVERLASTING.

Comforter . Generous One . Prince of Peace . The Lion and the Lamb . Creator . Father of Light . King of Kings . Lord of Lords . Abba . Father . The Good Shepherd . The Way . The Truth . Holy One . Merciful One . Redeemer . Healer

God has quite the reputation to be worthy of such nicknames! The Bible reveals history of God extending His love, grace, and generosity to people throughout generations. The stories of God's love did not come to an end when Christ left the Earth. They continued as people received God's Spirit (AKA The Holy Spirit) after Christ's body ascended into the Heavens. (Acts 1 & 2)

In Genesis God extends Protectionover Noah's family as the Earth floods. Genesis 7, 8, & 9)

In Exodus God reveals His love for His people by makinga Wayfor them to escape. He did the impossible! Where there was not a path, He made one! God was faithful to part the Red Sea and free His people from slavery! (Exodus 14)

God is the Provider in the wilderness when Moses and Joshua were leading the Israelites to the Promise Land. He made the sky rain down manna and swarm with quail. He did not let His people go without. He equipped the sounds of trumpets to break down the walls of an entire city! (Exodus 16 & Joshua 6)

He was Generous when He led Ruth and Naomi to the home of Boaz. He Provided Ruth with a Kinsmen Redeemer and blessed Naomi with a home and care. (Ruth 3 & 4)

God was Faithful when He came to the World as a baby. He lived and breathed as you and I do. He encountered the brokenness of mankind and still extended us a new way of living; a life of Love, Grace, and Unity with Him.

In the book of Matthew we discover that Jesus was tried and tempted just as you and I have been. He proved His Powerby overcoming Satan's wickedness and went on to drive out all darkness with Light.(Matthew 4)

Christ put on the character of Humility and Gentleness when He taught the beatitudes on a hillside to men, women, and children. His message invites us to receive Comfort in our losses, Strength in our Meekness, Peace, Mercy, and Righteousness. (Matthew 5)

Jesus demonstrated Grace and Care when He spoke Truth to the woman at the well. He knew her by name and invited her to "drink living water"; a chance to live life a new way. He made sure she knew there was a space for her in the Heart of her Heavenly Father. (John 4)

Jesus demonstrates that He is not only the Healer of our Hearts, but also the Great Physician when He heals the blind, sick, and lame. (Matthew 8)

We witness God's Love in Action as He gave His life for ours on the Cross. Christ displayed what Long Suffering looks like and deemed us Worthy of Life regardless of our shortcomings. (Matthew 27)

There are not a shortage of moments and stories when Heaven has touched Earth. God chooses us, His children, over and over again. We come broken, backwards, and beaten down. He receives us. He restores us. He extends love at all costs.

In what way have you experienced the love of God? Which of these roles has He been in your life? Which of these roles do you long to know?

Protector.

The Way.

Provider.

Generous One.

Faithful One.

Powerful One.

The Light in the Darkness.

Humility.

Gentle One.

The Comforter.

Strength.

Source of Peace.

Merciful One.

Righteous One.

Giver of Grace.

The One Who Cares.

The Truth.

The Healer of your heart.

The Great Physician.

God's love is unending and everlasting. May you experience it and identify it when you do!