Fear Isolates, but Love Restores!
1 John 4:
15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.
18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Fear Isolates
Love Restores
19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
Love is putting someone else’s needs in front of yours.
“Some people are worth melting for” - Olaf
1 John 5:
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
4 R’s…
Recognize the Fear
Receive God’s Love
Risk Love in Relationships
Remember: Love is a Choice
Fear builds Walls. Love builds Bridges.
Family Follow Up:
1 John 4:18a - There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…
What is something that keeps us from loving God and loving others?
How can we build a bridge to each other this week instead of building a wall?
Jesus came not just to forgive your sin, but to draw you out of hiding and into restored relationship—with God, with others, and with yourself. You don’t have to live in isolation. Perfect love—God’s love—is pursuing you. And that love is strong enough to cast out fear.
