GREATEST LOVE STORY
STUDENT GUIDE
RANDOM QUESTION
[All Adults] Where is your favorite place to shop?
GET CONNECTED
[Mentor] Before we get started, take a second to follow us on social media at [insert handle]. This is the best way to stay in the loop about what’s happening with our club, and you might even see yourself featured in a post or story! (Go ahead and show the QR code.) Now let’s welcome our student host for today! [insert name]
WELCOME & OPEN PRAYER
[Host] Hey everyone! Welcome to First Priority. We are so glad you’re here. Today [insert name] is going to talk about something that’s everywhere this time of year — love. Valentine’s Day is all around us: cards, chocolate, teddy bears, heart emojis. But what if there’s more to love than all of that? We’re going to talk about the greatest love story ever told — Jesus. Before we get into it, let’s pray.
Sample prayer: God, thank You for today and for bringing every student here. We know that real love comes from You. Help us to hear what [insert name] is sharing with us and help us understand just how deep Your love goes. In Jesus’ name, amen.
THE GREATEST LOVE STORY
[Speaker] There’s a lot of pressure around Valentine’s Day. Like you’re supposed to get a card, flowers, candy, or a giant teddy bear to prove you care. Did you know people spend over 5.4 billion dollars just on candy and flowers? That’s insane but it shows something real; people want to feel loved.
As Christians, we’re called not just to look for love but to show it. Why? Because God is love. But let’s be honest, knowing what love actually is can be hard. We all want it, but we don’t always know what it should look like.
Thankfully, the Bible gives us a clear picture. Let’s read First Corinthians chapter 13 verses 4 through 7, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Paul doesn’t give a definition, but he shows us what real love acts like. It’s not selfish. It doesn’t quit. It’s about commitment, sacrifice, and showing up, even when it’s hard.
Here’s a real question — Does this describe the love you’re chasing? And does it describe the love you’re showing? Because love in the Bible looks a lot different than what we see on social media or in the hallways at school. What we usually see is love that’s loud when it wants attention and silent when things get hard. It’s often based on looks, popularity, or whether someone “deserves” it. On social media, love is about getting likes or showing off the highlight reel. At school, it can feel more like a competition. Who’s dating who, who gets noticed, who’s left out.
But the kind of love God shows us is the opposite. It’s not selfish or temporary. It’s not about using people or faking it for attention. God’s love is patient, steady, and doesn’t quit on us when we mess up. First John chapter 4 verses 10 and 11 say, “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
God didn’t wait around for us to love Him first. He didn’t send flowers or chocolates. He sent His Son. Jesus came to take our place and make a way for us to be forgiven. You can’t put a price on that kind of love.
Maybe you’ve believed lies that you’re not lovable, or not enough. But that’s not what God says. The truth is you are deeply loved by the One who created you. John chapter 3 verse 16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” God’s love isn’t based on feelings or performance. It’s based on who He is. And He proved that love on the cross.
So, what do we do with this kind of love? If you’ve never started a relationship with Jesus, today can be the day. You don’t have to earn His love. You just have to accept it. Jesus is the greatest love story, and He’s inviting you to be part of it. Talk to one of us student leaders or a volunteer. We can help you.
If you already know Him, let His love show through your life. Like John chapter 13 verse 35 says, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” When we love people like Jesus does, it opens hearts. It tells people, “You matter. You’re not forgotten. You’re loved.”
GOSPEL TOOL: VALENTINE’S DAY CARD
[Speaker] Today we’re going to put this into action. You’ll each get a Valentine’s Day card, but not the cheesy kind. This one’s about sharing love that lasts. (Have student leaders pass out cards and pens.) Think about someone who might be feeling alone or unseen. Maybe it’s a classmate, a neighbor, or someone in your family.
Write something meaningful. Maybe a kind word, a reminder that they’re loved, maybe even a Bible verse. As you write, pray for that person. Ask God to use your words to show them His love. (Give students time to fill out their card and then have the student host come back up and give the CHALLENGE and PRAY.)
CHALLENGE AND PRAY
[Host] Your challenge this week is to show the kind of love Jesus gave you. Love people who don’t expect it. Be kind when it’s inconvenient. Encourage someone who feels invisible. And if you haven’t said “yes” to Jesus yet, know this: He already said “yes” to you. He gave everything so you could know Him. Don’t wait. Let’s pray.
Sample prayer: God, thank You for showing us what real love looks like through Jesus. Help us not chase temporary, fake versions of love, but hold on to the love You freely give. Help us love others with patience, kindness, and truth. Use us this week to reflect Your heart to the people around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
GAME TIME – Optional
[Host & Mentor] (See the Game Time tab for options.)
