This week begins our nine week dive into the Fruit of the Spirit "teacher style". Last week we talked about what it takes to be a truly great teacher. I think we can agree that it takes more than a really great communicator who is knowledgeable in their subject area. It takes heart, mission, and most of all love. Which brings me to this week's subject!
Love is a powerful force. We know that love is what absolutely makes a difference in our homes, our jobs, and our schools. Love has the power to change hearts and minds and can ignite a fire in our souls.
And true genuine love will be the force that transforms our classrooms. Not only will it penetrate the hearts of your students but will define you as a teacher. Yet, sometimes it's hard to show genuine love to the kid/coworker/administrator that is acting so unlovable. During these times we must remember that love isn't a feeling but a decision you make to forgive the offenses, endure the hardships, persevere through trials, and believe the best.
1 Corinthians 13 is the well known love chapter of the Bible. Let's take a look and see how this love that Paul talks about can be used to transform our schools and communities, beginning in our classrooms.
1. Love is patient, love is kind (1 Cor. 13:4)
Patient. The ever elusive characteristic of a mother and teacher of little ones. It's so easy to say we are going to be patient with our babies but after the fifth spill of the hour or the tenth time picking up a mess, I'm not always that patient. And when I'm impatient, it's really easy to overlook being kind as well. Showing patience and kindness is an effective (but sometimes challenging) way to show love to our students. Are you loving through patience and kindness?
2. Love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking (1 Cor. 13:5)
Love is others focused. Showing love sometimes takes us stepping back and ignoring our wants or preferences and putting the interests of others first. As a teacher, it's my job to put what's best for my students before what's best for me. Genuine love gives and gives some more because that's what Jesus did for me.
3. Love is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs (1 Cor. 13:5)
It's really hard not to get angry when that one student continues to talk while you are teaching or play on their phone during class. After the tenth time the rule is broken it would be more than easy to yell or wag a finger in their face. But love is not provoked easily. And even more, love shows mercy. How would your classroom relationships change if you explicitly taught mercy to your students?
4. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth (1 Cor. 13:6) No matter how long you have been teaching you've probably had that one student (or yearly student) who absolutely does you in, day in and day out. They exhaust you, they drain your patience, and you just wish for a break. Your thoughts about this student could be less than righteous. But genuine love will recognize that they are the one who probably needs love the most. Our thoughts matter. Because thoughts become words, and words become, actions, and actions become our legacy. What will be your legacy?
5. Love always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. (1 Cor. 13:7)
As teachers we are to protect our students physically, emotionally, mentally. We are to trust that they can be successful with our guidance and direction. We are to hold out hope especially for those who are struggling, and persevere through challenges on the road to success.
6. Love never fails. (1 Cor. 13:8)
Love can make what's wrong, right, bring light to the darkness, provide rest to the weary, lift weight from the heavy heart, and give hope to the hopeless. Love will never be defeated. Love will always win!
I've often found myself wondering how in the world I am supposed to put this into practice. It seems too hard.
This kind of love can't be expressed on your own. We are only human. We are imperfect. This kind of love is a Divine love. And we can't show this love unless we have the Source of it.
If you don't have a personal relationship with God, you're missing out on the greatest source of love and power you could ever experience. If you would like to know more about how you can know God personally, click here.
For we who already know Christ, showing this love takes tapping in to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We have to remember we can't do it on our own so we read and meditate on the Word of God. We give our lives to be used by God and stay available for His Spirit to move through us.
Lord, I want to reflect you. Love when I can't. Take up my slack. Use me. Be evident in my words and actions. Amen.
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