Love
(A Christian Teacher’s Paraphrase of I Corinthians 13)

If I teach with the skill of the finest teacher
And if I am dedicated to the education of the young,
But fail to love my students,
I become only a clever speaker and a charming entertainer.

If I use various teaching techniques and methods
And if I am well trained so that I feel like I am a good teacher
But fail to love my students just as they are,
My efforts are not enough.

If I spend many long hours preparing lessons
And if I plan interesting activities for my classes,
And then fail to allow God’s love to flow through me,
My personal efforts are still not enough.

The love of a teacher for her students is a very special kind of love.
It is patient even when students are doing their best to create problems.
It shows kindness in a way that makes a new student feel welcome in a new school.
It is not selfish, though it may seem that way when the Teacher
requires certain things of the class.
It is not easily discouraged, even though some days seem to be full of problems.
It is not amazed when a pupil comes to discuss a confidential situation that is too personal
to share with just anyone who might happen to be around.

This kind of love does not boast about its accomplishments
But it is a living example of what Jesus Christ would have each of us to be daily.

This special, God-given love never fails.
Books and study guides will become obsolete;
Teaching techniques and methods will be outmoded;
Classroom schedules and school policies will be abandoned;
Because all these things have been established by man, rather than by God.
However, when the teacher shares God’s love with her pupils,
the influence will live on forever and ever
because God is love.

When I was a student, I was immature and I behaved like a child. I was a child.
But now I am an adult, and God has spoken to me about helping children discover
His wonderful love.
I have faith and I have hope and I have love.
These three are God’s great gifts to me.
And the greatest of these is love.

By Gracey Robbins, Valley Christian Jr. High School, San Jose, California