Love

This next section of session 1 is all about love: what the Bible says about it, what the couple thinks about it, and why it's so important.

How would you define love?


Love in Scripture

Proverbs 17:17
Matthew 22:37-39
John 3:16
1 Corinthians 8:1
Luke 6:27-32
Ephesians 4:2
1 Peter 4:8
Luke 10:30-37
Ephesians 5:25
1 John 3:16-18

1 Corinthians 13 In-Depth

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is one of the most poetic passages of Scripture regarding love. As we look at all that it says, give three examples of how each could be applied in your marriage.

1. Is patient—endures offenses, is not hasty, waits for the Lord to right all wrong.

2. Is kind—not inconsiderate, seeks to help, is constructive, blesses when cursed, helps when hurt, demonstrates tenderness.

3. Is not envious but content—is not jealous of another person’s success or competition.

4. Is not boastful, but reserved—does not show off, try to impress, want to be the center of attention.

5. Is not arrogant or proud but humble—is not stuck-up; but lowly and gracious.

6. Is not rude, but courteous.

7. Is not selfish, but self-forgetful.

8. Is not easily angered, but good tempered.

9. Is not a score keeper—not vindictive or wrathful, but generous.

10. Does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth.

11. Is a protector, even when it costs something.

12. Is trusting, not cynical or critical, gives the benefit of the doubt.

13. Is hopeful for the best, does not give up easily.

14. Is not conquerable, but invincible.

Three Types of Love: Eros, Philia, Agape

1. Eros: The love that seeks sensual expression. Eros is a romantic love, a sexual love. The husband and wife, in a good marriage, will love each other romantically and erotically.
2. Philia: The love friendships are made of. Friendship means companionship, communication, and cooperation. This is philia.
3. Agape: A self-giving love, the love that goes on loving even when the other becomes unlovable. Agape love is not something that happens to you; it’s something you make happen. Love is a personal act of commitment. Christ’s love is this type of love. It’s sacrificial, unconditional and eternal.

What can you do to demonstrate these three kinds of love in your marriage? Write three examples for each.

Eros Philia Agape
1. 1. 1.
2. 2. 2.
3. 3. 3.


In light of what is happening to marriages today, why will yours be different?

And that's the end of session 1 besides assigning homework.