Although it’s known as the “Love Chapter” and often read at weddings, did you know that I Corinthians 13 can help you and your classmates get along better and have a great school year? Here’s how:

“Love is patient” when your teammate misses a shot and he costs you the game, or when your Science partner slows you down because she just doesn’t understand.

“Love is kind” to everyone, regardless of what group they’re in, what they look like, or where they buy their clothes.

“It does not envy” the girl with better looks who has the boys noticing her, the guy who’s better in sports, or the student with higher grades.

“It does not boast” when you get straight A’s, the newest ipod, or the most points in a game.

“It is not rude” by casting a hateful look, shoving through a crowded door, or calling someone “Loser.”

“It is not self-seeking” by always wanting to be first, wanting the biggest and best of what’s being handed out, needing all the attention, or not celebrating another’s success.

“It is not easily angered” even if the other kid gets mad first, when you feel picked on, or if you find out a friend has been talking behind your back.

“It keeps no record of wrongs” by reminding friends of how many times they’ve blown it.

“It does not delight in evil” when you hear a classmate has cheated, broken a school rule, or bullied someone, “but rejoices in the truth.”

“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

In other words, you’ve got your friend covered. She is safe with you. He knows he can depend on you.

Classes Remembered For... 

Classes are often remembered for something they’ve accomplished. Teachers might say, “That class had the best grades of any I’ve seen,” or “This year’s class sure won our school a lot of games,” and “With all it’s leadership skills, this class is really going somewhere.” What if your class could be remembered for its love? What if you left that behind? What if your class set the standard for the entire school of how a class can cross over social barriers, clothing brands, looks, athletic and academic strengths, and truly love each other—no one being left out?

Try seeing your class as a family. Family members have different strengths and weaknesses. They support each other. They stick up for each other. They forgive. And isn’t it true that every family has a few “interesting” people in it? Yet they still love each other.

There’s plenty of time left in this school year to turn things around for your class. You can begin by talking with a few close friends about how your small group can find ways to practice the I Corinthians 13 type of love. It doesn’t matter if there are only a few of you. If Jesus could change the world with a starting number of twelve disciples, He can use you and your friends to change your class.

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By Nancy Canwell. Copyright © 2006 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.