What is REAL Love? Erika Kimberly Stanley
“no greater love than this”
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stay in touch! Online: Read our Bible Studies at www.tobepraised.com. In-person: Weekly Young Women Bible studies @ the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport, CT at 10am. Listen: Listen to our podcast on Soundcloud.
Copyright © 2017 by Erika Kimberly Stanley | To Be Praised Ministries All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author. www.tobepraised.com • 3 • #tobepraised
a note Hi friends! I’m so happy you’re here. I’m so happy I’m here, too, writing to you. The mission of To Be Praised Ministries is to cultivate spiritual knowledge and encourage leadership development in women through Bible studies, events, podcasts and small learning communities. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30. This workbook in the hands of a woman who wants to know God better is one way the mission will come to life! It’s an honor to meet you here on the pages that have been written and edited to give you some spiritual encouragement and time with the Lord. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” - John 15:13 “What is REAL love?” is a devotional and study guide to use while you search the Word to understand what is real love and what’s artifical. I pray this workbook empowers you to explore the love of God in your life and the beautiful ways His love transforms our lives. Let’s get started! Love + Light, Erika Kimberly Stanley Founder & Content Creator
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how to use this workbook I’ve structured the workbook to include devotionals and scripture. Generally, I study the Bible with the following method and I think it may be helpful for those who are asking for help studying the Word! #ToBePraised Study Method: Pray: that God open your heart to the material you’re about to study, His Word, and His voice. Read: the assigned scriptures. Notes: are a helpful way to interact with material. Make up areas that speak to you the most. Self-reflect: on the scripture and answer the questions in each devotional. Be honest with yourself and God. Pray: you are able to apply God’s Word to your life daily based on what you’ve read and the reflective answers to each of the questions.
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What is Love? Love defined in the Bible.
Agape Greek word for love at its ultimate.
Agape love is not like a brotherly love or a love between a husband and a wife. It is the most self-sacrificing love that there is. This type of love is the love that God has for His own children. This type of love is what was displayed on the cross by Jesus Christ. In John 3:16 it is written that “God so loved (agapao) the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Love defined in a the dictionary: 1. a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person. 2. a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend. ---Where do we learn how to love?
Name some people or things that have taught you how to love?
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“‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” - Matthew 19:19
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What’s Real & What’s Fake? Real love is sacrifice and giving. What did God give to show/prove His love for us?
Real love is an action. How does God demonstrate His love for us? (Romans 5:6-8)
Real love is GOD. (1 Corinthians 13:1-13 & 1 John 4:7-11) List out all of the words that describe love in 1 Corinthians 13
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What’s Real & What’s Fake? “I got fake people showing fake love to me, straight up to my face...”- Drake How would YOU describe “fake love”? Have you ever experienced fake love? If so, what does it feel like?
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How can YOU show REAL love to others? At home?
At school?
In your church or community?
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“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,”- Matthew 5:44
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about the author
Erika Kimberly Stanley has organized and taught the Young Woman’s Bible Class for in in the Bridgeport congregation for three years. She has experience speaking at local Ladies Days and Ladies Retreats as well as leading Bible studies for women in her local congregation. Erika is the founder of “To Be Praised”, a Christian community committed to the spiritual and leadership development of women through Bible studies, event hosting, and small learning communities. Erika knows God has given her a special heart for women’s ministry and is pursuing this calling with diligence and zeal. Erika earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from Manhattanville College. She is the former Editor of the Manhattanville Review and the former Poetry Editor of INKWELL. Currently, Erika is pursuing a Doctorate of Education degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Administration. www.tobepraised.com • 15 • #tobepraised
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faith. hope. love. but the greatest of these is love
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