While we were at church camp the past two weeks, we spent many hours in the Word and many hours with teenagers. The first week was with middle schoolers (Matt and I taught a split class of guys/girls); the other week was with high schoolers (Matt and I taught a mixed class together). All of the hours were rich.
We are loved.
The first week I was privileged to teach 43 middle school girls (divided into three classes each morning). In a world full of lies, I continued to emphasize Truth. One Truth I repeated over and over (and prayed to show them through my own heart) was this:
There is no one God loves more than you.
Truth.
The week’s lessons progressed as follows:
- You are loved. (Ephesians 3:16-19)
- You are blessed. (Luke 1:45)
- You are a blessing. (Ephesians 2:10)
- You are strong because of Jesus. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
- We are a team. (John 17:22-23)
How important it is for us all to realize these Truths. When we recognize and accept God’s unconditional and abundant love for us, when we are open to receive His blessings, when we understand that He uses us to bless others, when we embrace our weaknesses knowing that God is working His power through us – and then we put all of that together and recognize that we are all a team shining the light of Jesus to others…what beauty we have to offer as body of Christian sisters.
So that was 225 minutes of Bible class time wrapped up in a few paragraphs. There was much discussion, detail, and diving into scripture. We also pulled out the markers, crayons, scrapbook paper, glue, and cardstock each day to put together a big project that helped pull all the lessons together on Friday. Yay for girliness (and a way to keep 43 middle school girls engaged during five lengthy class periods).
No matter if we’re 13, 33, 63, or 103 – we all need to recognize Truth. We all need to be reminded of Christ’s love for us. His love is enormous! I find this comforting, empowering, peaceful, and delightful.
I made the following printable for each girl, and I am making it available here as well. What a wonderful passage to meditate on and digest as Truth.
Download The Love of Christ Printable Here
I pray God’s rich blessings on you today as you reflect on His great love for you!