Every so often, we need to remind ourselves what this thing is all about—“this thing” being youth ministry, in particular, and the Christian walk, in general.

I suggest we could boil the whole thing down to one word: love.

Given your theological background or personal gift mix, you might feel strongly that any number of things is the ultimate purpose or goal of youth ministry, such as evangelism, worship, missions, service, discipleship or teaching.

However, all of these functions of ministry are the result of the larger, more important driving force of love. Here’s how we know.

Scripture

Each passage below represents one of the directions love can flow: from God to us, from us to God, or between us and others. As you read, focus on the direction you observe, and jot down your reaction to what’s happening in the passage. If you need more information about the Scripture context, take a minute to read it from your Bible.

Genesis 3:21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.

Psalm 6:4 “Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.”

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 14:21 “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”

Romans 5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.