Love’s In Need
October 19–25, 2026
Inspired by Stevie Wonder’s “Love’s in Need of Love Today”
Sermon Scripture: Psalm 96:1–9 (KJV)
Weekly Theme
God’s love is not simply something we receive. It is something we are called to share. In a world filled with discouragement, division, and uncertainty, Christians are called to become living examples of God’s love.
This week, we will explore how God’s Word teaches us to love, encourage ourselves, care for others, and bring hope into difficult situations.
Monday, October 19
Day 1: Love Begins With God
Scripture: 1 John 4:7–8 (KJV)
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
Today’s Bible Lesson
The apostle John reminds the early Christian community that love is not merely a feeling. Love comes from the very nature of God.
John was writing to believers who needed to understand that knowing God should change how they treated one another. Their faith could not be separated from their relationships.
We sometimes look for love in the approval of others, but God’s love is not something we have to earn. We begin by recognizing that we are already loved by Him.
Reflection:
How can remembering God’s love change the way you treat yourself and others today?
Today’s Prayer:
Lord, remind me that Your love is the foundation of my life. Help me share that love wherever I go. Amen.
Tuesday, October 20
Day 2: Encourage Yourself in the Lord
Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV)
…but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
Today’s Bible Lesson
David was facing one of the most difficult moments of his life. The Amalekites had attacked Ziklag, taken the families captive, and left the city devastated. Even David’s own men were angry with him.
Instead of surrendering to despair, David found strength in the Lord.
This happened in Ziklag, a town in southern Judah’s region, during the period before David became king over all Israel.
David teaches us that there are moments when we must encourage ourselves through the promises of God’s Word. When no one else knows what to say, Scripture can remind us that God is still present.
Reflection:
What Bible verse can you speak over your life when you feel discouraged?
Today’s Prayer:
Lord, when my heart is heavy, teach me to turn to Your Word for strength. Amen.
Wednesday, October 21
Day 3: Love Is Something We Do
Scripture: 1 John 3:18 (KJV)
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
Today’s Bible Lesson
John challenges believers to move beyond talking about love and begin practicing it.
It is easy to tell someone that we care. It takes something more to demonstrate that care through our actions.
Love might look like calling someone who is lonely, helping a struggling neighbor, forgiving someone who hurt us, or making time for someone who needs encouragement.
Our churches become living witnesses of God’s love when our compassion moves beyond the sanctuary walls.
Reflection:
Who needs to experience God’s love through your actions this week?
Today’s Prayer:
Lord, help me demonstrate love through my words, decisions, and actions. Amen.
Thursday, October 22
Day 4: Love in a Divided World
Scripture: John 13:34–35 (KJV)
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Today’s Bible Lesson
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples during His final evening with them before His crucifixion.
In Jerusalem, as He prepared them for the challenges ahead, Jesus gave them a defining mark of Christian discipleship: love.
He did not say the world would recognize His followers by their wealth, popularity, or influence. He said people would recognize them by their love for one another.
In a world where disagreements can easily divide families, communities, and churches, Christ calls us to respond differently.
Loving others does not mean agreeing with everything they do. It means remembering that every person deserves dignity and compassion.
Reflection:
How can you show Christlike love to someone with whom you disagree?
Today’s Prayer:
Jesus, help me become an instrument of peace and understanding. Amen.
Friday, October 23
Day 5: Speak Life, Not Defeat
Scripture: Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Today’s Bible Lesson
The book of Proverbs belongs to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. Its teachings help God’s people understand how everyday choices shape their lives and relationships.
Our words carry tremendous influence. They can encourage someone who feels defeated or deepen the pain of someone who is already struggling.
Sometimes the person who needs encouragement most is the one looking back at us in the mirror.
Instead of constantly rehearsing our failures, we can remind ourselves of what Scripture teaches about God’s mercy, faithfulness, and strength.
Speaking life does not mean pretending problems do not exist. It means refusing to allow our problems to have the final word.
Reflection:
What negative statement about yourself can you replace with a promise from Scripture?
Today’s Prayer:
Lord, guide my tongue so that my words bring healing, encouragement, and hope. Amen.
Saturday, October 24
Day 6: Love Your Neighbor
Scripture: Luke 10:33–34 (KJV)
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him.
Today’s Bible Lesson
Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan in response to a question about who qualifies as our neighbor.
The story takes place along the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, a steep and difficult route where travelers could be vulnerable to robbery.
In Jesus’ story, religious figures passed by an injured man, but a Samaritan stopped to help.
This detail matters because Jews and Samaritans had longstanding religious and social tensions.
Jesus used this unexpected helper to teach that genuine love crosses boundaries.
We cannot always solve everyone’s problems, but we can choose not to ignore suffering.
Reflection:
What practical act of kindness can you offer someone outside your usual circle?
Today’s Prayer:
Lord, open my eyes to the needs around me and give me a compassionate heart. Amen.
Sunday, October 25
Day 7: Let Your Life Sing a New Song
Scripture: Psalm 96:1–3 (KJV)
O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
Today’s Bible Lesson
Psalm 96 is a hymn celebrating God’s greatness and calling all nations to worship Him.
In ancient Israel, worship involved more than musical expression. It included declaring God’s mighty works, honoring His holiness, and living in recognition of His authority.
The psalmist invites the entire earth to sing a new song.
A new song can represent a fresh expression of praise in response to God’s goodness.
After spending this week studying love, encouragement, compassion, and kindness, we are reminded that our lives can become an expression of worship.
Every time we encourage someone, offer forgiveness, extend compassion, or stand with someone who is hurting, we have an opportunity to reflect the love of God.
Reflection:
If your life were a song of worship, what would other people hear?
Today’s Prayer:
Lord, let my life become a song of love, gratitude, compassion, and praise. Amen.
Weekly Reflection: Is Love Still in Need?
As you conclude this week’s study, consider these three questions:
Where did I see God’s love at work in my life this week?
How did Scripture help me encourage myself or someone else?
What can I do next week to make God’s love more visible in my family, church, or community?
Our Weekly Challenge
Find one person who needs encouragement. Share a Scripture, offer a prayer, or perform an unexpected act of kindness.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that love is one of the greatest gifts we can offer this world. When the world becomes cold, help us bring warmth. When people become discouraged, help us speak hope. When hatred tries to divide, help us become instruments of peace.
Teach us to encourage ourselves through Your Word and to encourage others through our actions. Let our homes, our church, and our community experience Your love through us.
And when the world is in need of love, Lord, let that love begin with us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ridge Avenue United Methodist Church
7811 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM
Pastor Kabrene Pittman
Growing in faith, sharing God’s love, and serving our community.