Six Barriers to Love and How Christ Overcomes Them

KEY POINTS





God’s love is perfect and drives out fear; it’s not based on our
performance or merit.


1 John 4 teaches us that love is evidence of being born of God
and knowing God.


We are commanded to love others as He has loved us, but first we
must let Him love us.


God’s perfect love was shown in Christ’s atoning sacrifice—the
propitiation for our sins.


Loving others requires confronting six barriers: Selfishness,
Pride, Fear, Jealousy, Bitterness, and Distraction.


Each barrier is overcome not by effort alone, but by receiving
God’s love and abiding in Him.


Perfect love transforms us so others can see God at work in us.


Our call is to daily pause, let God love us, and intentionally
love others in the details of everyday life.





DISCUSSION





How would you explain the difference between human love and God’s
perfect love?


Which of the six barriers (Selfishness, Pride, Fear, Jealousy,
Bitterness, Distraction) do you most struggle with, and why?


Why do you think it’s so important to “pause” and let God love
you before trying to love others?


Perfect love casts out fear. What does that mean in your own
walk?


How can you practice seeing God “in the details of your day” this
week?