In this series, we investigate 1 John 4:18, and how love trashes fear when relational stress comes into our lives. Contributed by Ordinary Faith.

 #1: Relationships Gone Wrong

Sometimes our relationships cause stress. This might be a fear that people will not like us or that they might betray us. If we are afraid of being hurt in our relationships, and we have no way to deal with those hurts, our willingness to engage with others can be deeply stifled.

  1. Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
  2. Discuss a stressful relationship you have experienced in the past.
  3. Discuss the feelings you experience when under relational stress.
  4. Share a story that illustrates the power of love in your life?
  5. Read 1 John 4:17. Discuss how we grow in love?
  6. Discuss simple habits that would help us grow in love?
  7. Discuss actions that we could use to advance love into our fears?
  8. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.

#2: Why Be Afraid?

How often are we in a conversation that includes the phrase, “I’m tired.” Why are we so tired? What are we carrying around in our hearts that burdens us to the point of exhaustion?

  1. Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
  2. Share a conversation you participated in recently that contained the phrase, “I’m tired.” How often does that phrase occur in your daily conversations? Why?
  3. Discuss some goals you have had in the past that have made your life more difficult?
  4. What is the purpose of your goals? Apply three to five “Why’s” to your answer (for example: I want to lose weight. Why? To look/feel better. Why? So I will feel accomplished. Why? …etc).
  5. Discuss expectations you have held in the past that have caused you difficulty.
  6. Read and discuss Ephesians 1:3. What blessings does the verse have in mind?
  7. Discuss Isaiah 35:4 as a “rescue verse”. How might it encourage you in times of stress?
  8. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.

#3: The Truth about Fear

Why do we get afraid anyway? What is the core issue behind our fears? The things that happen to us are real, but what’s really true is a different story.

  1. Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
  2. Discuss your earliest childhood memory. Why do you think you remember it?
  3. Have you ever found out that something you believed to be true was not? Discuss that experience and its impact?
  4. We often say, “God loves you.” What does that mean?
  5. Discuss why God loves us.
  6. Discuss how God loves us.
  7. Review Romans 8:31-39. Do you find anything in these verses difficult to believe?
  8. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.

#4: What About Love?

What could you do to love God now? For some it is prayer and others it is worship and singing. Many have some kind of activity, habit, or process that encourages their connection to God.

  1. What makes you aware of God’s presence in your life?
  2. Do you have a favorite Spiritual habit? Explain.
  3. How do you express Love to God?
  4. Discuss God’s Peace as promised in Philippians 4:7.
  5. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. What in this verse is most challenging? What is most comforting?
  6. Share a story regarding a person or a group of people who were present in your life when you really needed them. Discuss the power of “being there”.
  7. Is it important to “act now” regarding love toward others? Why or Why Not?
  8. How could you “act now” in your relationship toward God? In your relationship to others?

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