Sexuality LESSON Three: Love

Question What is World’s view of Love?

What is Love? World View about Love Love means never having to say your are sorry. Love is like the measles, we all have to go through it. Love is blind Love hurts, love scars, love wounds and mars

Question What is God’s view of Love?

What is Love? God’s View about Love 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 (NIV) 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

Qualities that appeal to us.. Affectionate, patient, caring, likes what I like, sexy, quiet, doesn’t give up easily, works hard, funny, popular, talented, considerate, even-tempered, honest, handsome, beautiful, forceful, good sense of humor, neat and tidy, sure of himself/herself, strong, lives what she/he believes, forgiving, well-dressed, good listener, reliable, communicates well, has money, a Christian, ambitious, clever, gentle.

Question How can I test Love?

Love Test Love wants to give. Lust wants to take. Is God involved in your relationship? Do you trust each other – even with your most intimate secrets? Love is unselfish. Lust is selfish. When you have fights, can you work out your differences? Love is wise. Infatuation is foolish. Do you believe your relationship will last? Can you talk about everything and anything together? Are you able to laugh and share fun together?

Question Do you believe in love at first sight? Do you believe love at first sight occurs between Christians?

Answer It may be true that you don’t consciously choose whom you are attracted to, but that doesn’t mean you have to act on that attraction. Sadly this ‘love at first sight’ is no more a guarantee of a successful relationship than love that develops slowly. Love is not just a feeling, but a fundamental principle of life. So there may be an attraction between 2 Christians, but we would hesitate to call it love.

Question What has love got to do with Sex?

Answer For some, very little. For most, quite a lot. Love is a principle for living; Sex is just one physical part of the love that is special in marriage. Sex is a normal part of that love that exists between a man and woman and is part of marriage. Before marriage, love can be expressed in ways without sex. The drive towards a sexual relationship is very strong, and if not handled correctly, can even destroy true love. Sex is God’s great way of showing physical love.

Question Why is it that my boyfriend/girlfriends never compliment me?

Answer We all need to have positive reassurance. Love needs to be made more specific: ‘I like the way you do your hair.’ If your friend cannot be bothered to compliment you for anything, he/she is not worth the trouble. Mind you, do you ever compliment him/her?

Question Do you think it is wrong to go out with a non-Christian?

Answer Association with non-Christian is not wrong. Jesus did the same. But it would be foolish to ignore the possible problems of greater pressure for a sexual relationship, or different expectations, or of the use of tactics that a Christian might not use. If you believe you should not marry a non- Christian, why should you even bother to date one? Be very careful and clear on the expectations and intentions of the relationship.

Question How can I avoid getting fooled sexually?

Answer Make sure you get your sexual principles from the Bible God can help you resist when you are tempted sexually. The strongest temptations can lose their grip through the strength God gives you.

Lies about Sex Sex is necessary for a happy life. Matthew 24:4 (NIV) 4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Lies about Sex Sex is necessary for a happy life. Sex will cure your problems What you do with sex is up to you, and you alone. Sex is just physical pleasure. A real love relationship must include sex. Sex is good for you and won’t hurt you. Sex is for having fun. Sex is most wonderful experience.

Question How can I deal with sexual guilt?

Answer Admit the situation and your guilt to God Seek forgiveness. Seek Change. Accept God’s forgiveness. Jeremiah 31:34 “For I will forgive their wickedness     and will remember their sins no more.” 1 John 1:9 (NIV) 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Question How can I move on if I have been hurt/abused?

Answer Don’t ignore it. You need to deal with the situation. To let it fester inside you can be the worst thing you can do. Ask God to forgive the one who hurt you. Also do something. For the sake of others take steps to have the guilty person exposed. Speak to someone you trust. Look to God for healing. Healing from pain, anger and bitterness is essential. If you hold these emotions, you will never move on. Don’t allow whatever wrong was done to you to do more damage to you through resentment. Move forward. We are people of hope and that hope is in the renewing process that God undertakes in the present.. We leave the past behind us and press toward the mark – the calling of God to an eternal future with Him.