God’s Love

 

Your students will understand that God’s love will always outrun them.

 

Say, “Think of the last time you were being chased by someone or something. Think about what you felt at the time—exhilaration, fear, or exhaustion? Were you caught? Did you want to be caught? Now, share the experience with the person next to you and listen to their experience.”

 

Give the students about five minutes to share their stories with one another.

 

Take a vote to see how many of the students enjoyed being chased. Was it a good or a negative experience for most of your students?

 

Say, “Whether you liked being chased or not, I want to tell you about a pursuit that is happening right now –a kind of mortal chase that happens from the day we are born. But, this chase has a positive outcome; can make your life complete when you ‘get caught.’”

 

Play the song, “Love Outran Me.” Give the students blank paper to write or draw on (or use the Student Guides) as they listen to the lyrics.

 

Ask:

• What lyrics stood out to you?

• What imagery stuck with you?

• Did you hear anything that you hadn’t thought of before?

• Did anything sound familiar to your own faith experience, or God’s pursuit of you?

 

Divide your students into two groups. One group will look up Romans 8:31- 39, the other group will look up Psalm 139:1-18. Have them fill in these blanks on the Student Sheet and then come back together to share what they found:

 

• What, if anything, can separate us from God’s love?

• What, if anything, cannot separate us from God’s love?

• Can you imagine any scenario where God’s love would not be sufficient?

• Rewrite these verses in your own words.

 

• What does God know about us?

• Where can we go where God cannot find us?

• How long has God loved us?

• Rewrite these verses in your own words.

 

Say, “You have heard the Scriptures tell of how God pursues us – how He pursues us with love. Psalm 139 reminds us that we cannot go anywhere that God cannot find us; and Romans 8 reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Remember this next time you feel that there is more darkness in your life than there is light; when you feel that you have gotten too far from God’s love or mercy.” Close in prayer.