LOVE PROVES ITSELF

If we are asked if we like children, we will answer “of course!” And yet, the answer is not so simple. Our love can quickly reach its limits in certain circumstances. True love is not only what we feel, such as tenderness, emotion, sympathy, compassion, etc. It is also and above all what we do, what goes through our actions. God did not just announce from heaven: “I love you!” He proved his love for men in a concrete way:
“But this is how God proved his love for us: Christ died for us, and yet we were still sinners.” Romans 5.8
Similarly, children need proof of our love for them. And to do that, we have to show them in a practical way that we love them.
“My children, don’t just love in words, with beautiful speeches; show true love that manifests itself in deeds.” 1 John 3.18

LOVING ACCORDING TO GOD

It’s a big subject! Let’s look at some of the clues we find in the Bible:

• “Have affection for each other as brothers who love each other.” Romans 12.10
• “My brothers and sisters, you believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord full of glory. So don’t make a difference between people.” James 2.1
• “Always be the first to respect each other.” Romans 12.11
• “Who loves is patient and good, he is not envious, does not boast and is not pretentious; who loves does nothing shameful, is not selfish, does not get irritated and does not hold a grudge; who loves does not rejoice in evil, he rejoices in the truth. Who loves to support everything and keeps faith, hope and patience in all circumstances.” 1 Corinthians 13.4-7

LOVING IN PRACTICE

How can we apply these texts in our work for children?

• affection: our relationship with children must be warm. Address them gently, be close to them, have tactile contact (with restraint and decency of course). The child needs to feel safe.
• by an impartial attitude: no preferences, whether in relation to the child’s behaviour, his social level, the popularity of his family in the church, his nationality, his stage of development, etc. To love the child as he is: it is to show him that God loves him as he is. Note: the most “wise” children are not the most loved of God, nor the closest to the Lord. Let us make sure that our attitude does not suggest that. The children who answer the questions best, who “know everything”, are not necessarily the ones who are converted. Let us not let them think that they are pleasing to God because of this. It’s the state of their hearts that counts.
  Do not pay more attention to a child who touches us.
  The most difficult children are often the ones who need love the most.
• do not pass judgment, condemnation (in words or thoughts) about their education, their habits, the commitment of their family, etc. Let us, on the contrary, be full of love and encouragement, and pray for families in difficulty.
• to have consideration: by taking an interest in their spiritual situation, their daily life, to the extent that they are willing to talk about it, their interests, their tastes.
• being available to them: listening to them, helping them, taking time for an interview.
• with respect: to exercise discipline in the group so that everyone feels comfortable, to measure their words, to greet them when we meet them outside the classroom, in the church, just like adults. work not in mediocrity, but in quality.
• giving themselves: consecration, perseverance and humility in service, time needed to prepare and pray.

If we know how to love children, the Lord will feel comfortable in our class and support our work.