Wonderful Story of Love
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened by contrasting society’s fickle portrayals of love with the biblical definition, leading participants to a thorough examination of 2 Corinthians 5. The teacher highlighted Paul’s declaration that "we walk by faith, not by sight" (v. 7) and emphasized the central clause, "the love of Christ compels us" (v. 14). By tracing Paul’s argument through verses 11‑15, the lesson showed how the impending judgment drives believers to live for Christ rather than self. Further context was drawn from 2 Corinthians 4, where Paul describes his suffering as "afflicted in every way, but not crushed" (v. 8‑10) and his focus on eternal glory over momentary hardships (v. 16‑18). The teacher also referenced Paul’s personal recounting of hardships in chapter 11, illustrating the reality of "light affliction" that results in an incomparable weight of glory. The overarching message concluded that the love of Christ should not only comfort but also motivate believers in Meridian to act selflessly, endure trials, and pursue God’s eternal promises.
Key Scriptures
Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it's also plain to your consciences. We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may have a reply for those who take pride in outward appearances rather than in the heart. For if we are out of our mind, then it's for God. If we are in our right mind, it's for you. For the love of Christ compels us. Since we have reached this conclusion, if one died for all, then all died. And he died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed. We are perplexed, but not in despair. We are persecuted, but not abandoned. We are struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry the death of Jesus in our body so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our body.