1 John 4:16-18

Men marry women with the hope they will never change. Women marry men with the hope they will change. Invariably they are both disappointed.”
– Albert Einstein

When I don’t meet the expectation of others:

• Don’t take it personally.
• Do my very best.
• Learn how to do even better.
• Refuse to feel insecure as I mature.

1 John 4:18, 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.

Perfect – teleios – completeness, fully mature

Love – agape – a sacrificial love that serves others

1 John 4:18 (MSG), There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life . . . is one not yet fully formed in love.

HOW love is practiced greatly determines WHO people become.

Practicing Love that Nurtures Maturity and Success

Trust GOD’S LOVE.

1 John 4:16, And so we know and rely on the love God has for us . . .

Who should I rely upon to overcome my fears and failures?

James 5:13-16, 13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Psalm 107:20 (NKJV), He (God) sent His word and healed them And delivered them from their destructions.

“My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content in your failure.”
– Abraham Lincoln

Embrace GOD’S LEADERSHIP.

1 John 4:16, 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.

Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 11:3-4 (NLT); Proverbs 10:22 (NLT); 1 Timothy 2:14

Let GOD GROW US.

Maturity always leads to good opportunities.

1 John 4:18, 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.

“Why do you entertain fear? Would you entertain any other person that you knew was a liar?”
– Pastor Jack Hayford

Matthew 14:22

How do we find security and success in our storms?

• Trust the Holy Spirit.
• Stay connected with mature believers who keep you on board.
• Stay faithful until God brings forth what He promised.

Romans 8:28