### Lesson Plan: Christian Religious Studies - Senior Secondary 1
**Topic:** Love: God’s Love for Man and Man’s Love for One Another
**Scripture References:** John 4:7-8, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 1 John 3:17-19
---
#### **General Objectives:**
1. To understand the nature of God’s love for humanity.
2. To comprehend the importance of loving one another.
3. To explore biblical scriptures that address love.
4. To encourage students to practice love in their daily lives.
#### **Specific Objectives:**
1. Students will be able to explain the concept of God’s love as depicted in the Bible.
2. Students will be able to identify and describe how love should manifest among people according to the New Testament.
3. Students will analyze and interpret specific Bible passages that speak about love.
4. Students will reflect on personal experiences and discuss practical ways to show love to others.
---
#### **Materials Needed:**
- Bible or Bible app
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts with key verses (John 4:7-8, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 1 John 3:17-19)
- Notebooks and pens
- Projector/computer for video presentation (optional)
---
#### **Lesson Activities:**
**Introduction (15 minutes)**
1. **Greeting and Opening Prayer:** Begin the class with a prayer asking for understanding and open hearts.
2. **Icebreaker:** Briefly discuss instances where students have felt loved or have shown love to others.
**Teacher Input (20 minutes)**
1. **Presentation:** Explain the nature of God's love using John 4:7-8. Highlight that God is love and that His love is unconditional and sacrificial.
2. **Scripture Reading:** Have students take turns reading:
- John 4:7-8
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
- 1 John 3:17-19
3. **Discussion:** Explain the meaning of the verses:
- **John 4:7-8:** Introduction to the concept that God is love.
- **1 Corinthians 13:1-3:** Highlight the essential nature of love above all spiritual gifts.
- **1 John 3:17-19:** Discuss practical love as an action rather than just words.
**Guided Practice (20 minutes)**
1. **Group Work:** Divide students into small groups and provide each group with one of the scripture passages to discuss and answer the following questions:
- What does this passage teach us about God’s love?
- How should this influence our behavior towards others?
- Share a real-life example where this type of love was demonstrated or could be demonstrated.
2. **Group Presentations:** Have each group present their findings to the class.
**Independent Practice (20 minutes)**
1. **Reflection Writing:** Ask students to write a short essay on:
- How they have experienced God's love in their own lives.
- Practical steps they can take to show love to others in everyday situations.
**Closure (15 minutes)**
1. **Q&A Session:** Allow students to ask questions and share their reflections.
2. **Summary:** Summarize the key points discussed:
- God's love is unconditional and sacrificial.
- Love is essential and the greatest of all virtues.
- True love is demonstrated through action.
3. **Prayer:** Close the lesson with a prayer asking for God's help to show true love to others in their daily lives.
**Homework:**
Ask students to read 1 Corinthians 13 in its entirety and journal about one verse that stood out to them and why.
---
### **Assessment:**
- Participation in group discussion and presentations.
- Quality of reflection essays.
- Understanding and application of lesson content as observed in class interactions and homework.
---
### **Extension Activities:**
1. **Service Project:** Organize a class project that involves acts of service, such as visiting a local orphanage or elderly home, to put the lesson into practice.
2. **Bible Study:** Encourage students to form study groups to explore other biblical themes related to love.
---
**Note:** Adjust the timing and activities as needed based on your class size and dynamics.