The Power of Righteous Love1 John 4:17-21

How Deep Is Your Love?

Our expression of love in the world reflects our relationship with God.

True love brings confidence before God.

False love brings fear

In This World We Are Like Jesus

•1 John 4:17 -- 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.

How Did Jesus Express Love?

Matthew 5:44-46--But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

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 everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Love is an indication of our faith

•John 5:42 -- …but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts.

The Fear Factor •1 John 4:17-18-- This is

how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment …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.

•Confidence in the day of judgment

•No fear in love

•Perfect love drives out fear.

•Fear has to do with punishment.

•Imperfect love leaves fear

The Foundation and Proof of Perfect Love

1 John 4:19-21 -- We love because he first loved us. 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. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

The foundation of love: He first loved us.

The proof of love: love those we can see.

God’s love is a meter by which we measure our own love.

Lamentations 3:22-24 -- Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,    for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;    great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”