From Fear to Love: Embracing Peace in Christ
Summary
Today’s gathering invited us to reflect deeply on the relationship between fear and love, especially as we near the end of the Easter season and prepare for Pentecost. The readings from John’s Gospel reminded us of Jesus’ words: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” These words are not just a comfort, but a call to live differently in a world that so often trades in fear.
From the very beginning of the Christian story, fear is present. The angel tells Mary, “Do not be afraid,” and the resurrected Jesus greets his disciples, locked away in fear, with “Peace be with you.” Fear is a universal human experience, hardwired into our biology, and it can be both protective and paralyzing. Yet, the story of Jesus, from Advent through Easter, is a journey from fear to love. The disciples, initially terrified and uncertain, gradually learn to trust, to love, and to care for one another as they witness Jesus’ acts of healing and compassion.
In our own lives, fear is ever-present—whether it’s the anxiety stoked by the news, the pressures of adulthood, or the uncertainty of the world around us. Our culture often uses fear as a tool for control and division, leaving us in a near-constant state of agitation. But Jesus offers another way: the way of peace and love. The promise is not that fear will disappear, but that love—perfect love—casts out fear. This is not a shallow sentiment, but a profound spiritual truth. When we breathe in the peace of Christ and breathe out love for others, we make space for God’s presence and for new creation, even in the midst of chaos.
The resurrection is not just about life after death, but about being raised from the deadening weight of fear into the freedom of love. As we move forward, may we remember that the opposite of love is not hate, but fear—and that God’s love, alive in us, is the antidote to fear. Let us be people who breathe peace, embody love, and offer both to a world in need.
Key Takeaways
- Fear is Foundational, but Not Final: The Christian story begins and ends with fear—Mary’s fear at the angel’s announcement, the disciples’ fear after Jesus’ death. Yet, the arc of the story is not about remaining in fear, but about moving through it toward love and peace. Recognizing fear as a universal and even necessary emotion allows us to see how God meets us in our vulnerability and leads us beyond it. [21:36]
- Love Overcomes Fear, Not by Erasing It, but by Transforming It: The journey of the disciples shows that love does not simply make fear vanish; rather, it transforms the way we respond to fear. As we open ourselves to God’s love and to loving others, fear loses its power to control us. This transformation is gradual and often requires us to step out in faith, trusting that love is stronger than what we fear. [26:18]
- The Opposite of Love is Fear, Not Hate: It is a profound spiritual insight that the true enemy of love is not hatred, but fear. Hatred is often a symptom of deeper fears—fear of loss, of change, of the other. When we allow love to cast out fear, we also undermine the roots of hatred and division, making space for reconciliation and peace. [28:23]
- Breathing as a Spiritual Practice: The act of breathing—inhale peace, exhale love—becomes a tangible way to invite God’s Spirit into our lives. In moments of anxiety or chaos, returning to the breath can help us slow down, open our hearts, and make room for God’s presence. This simple practice echoes the creation story and the resurrection, where God’s breath brings order out of chaos and new life out of fear. [34:12]
- Resurrection as Rising from Fear to Love: Resurrection is not only about life after death, but about being raised from the paralysis of fear into the freedom and possibility of love. Each day offers the opportunity to move from anxiety and self-protection into openness, compassion, and courageous love. This is the ongoing work of Easter in our lives and in our world. [37:25]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:29] - Call to Worship & Opening Prayer
[05:04] - Announcements & Community Life
[08:19] - Children’s Moment: Love in 1 John
[12:22] - Gospel Reading: John 14 & 5
[13:50] - Healing on the Sabbath
[14:25] - The Easter Season and Liturgical Calendar
[15:36] - Fear in the News and in Our Lives
[18:47] - Jesus’ Peace in the Face of Fear
[21:36] - Fear as a Universal Human Experience
[24:06] - The Biology of Fear
[26:18] - The Disciples’ Journey from Fear to Love
[28:23] - The Opposite of Love is Fear
[29:41] - Living with Fear in Today’s World
[34:12] - Breathing Peace, Breathing Love
[37:25] - Resurrection: From Fear to Love
[38:37] - Prayers, Joys, and Concerns
[45:25] - Offering and Dedication
[47:35] - Closing Hymn: Peace Like a River
[51:39] - Benediction and Sending Forth
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: From Fear to Love
---
### Bible Reading
- John 14:23-29
Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid…”
- 1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.
- Luke 1:30
And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” What is different about the peace Jesus offers compared to the world’s peace?
([12:22])
2. According to the sermon, how did fear show up at both the beginning and end of Jesus’ story?
([21:36])
3. What physical and emotional effects of fear were described in the sermon?
([24:06])
4. How did the disciples’ relationship with fear change as they followed Jesus, according to the sermon?
([26:18])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says, “The opposite of love is fear, not hate.” Why might fear be considered the true opposite of love, and how does this change the way we think about conflict or division?
([28:23])
2. The sermon describes fear as “foundational, but not final” in the Christian story. What does it mean for fear to be a starting point, but not the end, in our spiritual journey?
([21:36])
3. The act of breathing—“inhale peace, exhale love”—was suggested as a spiritual practice. How might this simple act help someone move from fear to love in daily life?
([34:12])
4. The resurrection is described as “being raised from the deadened weight of fear into the freedom of love.” How does this understanding of resurrection affect the way we live now, not just our hope for the future?
([37:25])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentioned that fear is everywhere in our culture—on the news, in politics, and even in our personal lives. What is one specific fear that has been weighing on you lately? How might you invite God’s peace into that situation?
([15:36])
2. When you notice fear rising in you—whether it’s anxiety about the future, fear of loss, or fear of others—what is one practical way you can “breathe in peace and breathe out love” this week?
([34:12])
3. The sermon said that “love overcomes fear, not by erasing it, but by transforming it.” Can you think of a time when love helped you respond differently to something you were afraid of? What did that look like?
([26:18])
4. The idea that “the opposite of love is fear” suggests that when we are afraid, we may struggle to love others well. Is there a relationship in your life where fear is getting in the way of love? What is one step you could take to move toward love in that relationship?
([28:23])
5. The sermon described breathing as a spiritual practice, especially in moments of chaos or anxiety. Would you be willing to try this practice for a week? What do you hope might change if you do?
([34:12])
6. The resurrection is not just about life after death, but about being raised from fear into love. What is one area of your life where you feel “stuck” in fear? What would it look like to let God’s love bring new life there?
([37:25])
7. The sermon mentioned that adults often have more fears than children, and that control is an illusion. How do you try to control your fears, and what might it look like to trust God instead?
([32:04])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to take a few moments of silence, breathing in God’s peace and breathing out love for others. Then pray together, asking God to help each person move from fear to love in the week ahead.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Offers Us True Peace, Not as the World Gives
In a world filled with anxiety and fear, Jesus offers a peace that is unlike anything the world can provide. This peace is not dependent on circumstances or the absence of trouble, but is rooted in the presence of Christ and the assurance of God's love. Jesus encourages us not to let our hearts be troubled or afraid, reminding us that the Holy Spirit will teach and comfort us. When we feel overwhelmed by the chaos around us, we are invited to rest in the peace that Jesus freely gives, trusting that His presence is with us always. [12:22]
John 14:23-27 (ESV)
Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Reflection: Where in your life do you most need to receive the peace that Jesus offers today, and how can you open your heart to it right now?
Day 2: Love Overcomes Fear
Fear is a universal human experience, but the love of God has the power to cast out fear and transform our hearts. Throughout the story of Jesus, from the angel’s words to Mary to the resurrection, God’s message is consistent: “Do not be afraid.” As we journey in faith, we learn that perfect love—God’s love—drives out fear and enables us to live with courage and compassion. When we allow love to guide us, fear loses its grip, and we are freed to care for others and ourselves more deeply. [26:18]
1 John 4:18 (ESV)
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
Reflection: Think of a fear that has been holding you back—how might you invite God’s love into that place and let it begin to cast out your fear?
Day 3: Healing and Wholeness Are Acts of Love
Jesus’ healing of the man at the pool, even on the Sabbath, demonstrates that God’s love is not bound by human rules or expectations. True Sabbath is found in acts of compassion and restoration, and Jesus shows us that caring for others is at the heart of God’s will. When we encounter those in need—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—we are called to respond with love, offering healing and hope as Jesus did. [14:25]
John 5:1-9 (ESV)
After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath.
Reflection: Who in your life might need a healing touch or word of compassion from you today, and how can you offer it as an act of love?
Day 4: Breathing in Peace, Breathing out Love
The simple act of breathing can become a spiritual practice, reminding us of God’s creative breath that brings order out of chaos and new life out of fear. When we are anxious or afraid, pausing to breathe deeply can help us make space for God’s peace to enter our hearts and for love to flow out to others. In the rhythm of in and out, we find the promise and possibility of new creation—resurrection from fear into love. [36:40]
Genesis 2:7 (ESV)
Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
Reflection: Take a few moments to breathe deeply and slowly—what do you notice as you invite God’s peace in with each breath, and how might you breathe out love to those around you today?
Day 5: Living Faithfully in a Fearful World
We live in a culture that often uses fear to manipulate and divide, but as followers of Jesus, we are called to be witnesses to a different way—the way of peace, love, and trust in God’s presence. Even when the world feels chaotic or out of control, we can choose to live with open hearts, sharing God’s love and grace with others. Our faith is not about the absence of fear, but about trusting that God’s love is greater than anything we face, and letting that love shape our words, actions, and relationships. [32:59]
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can resist the culture of fear today and instead be a presence of peace and love in your community?
Quotes
The opposite of fear is love. The opposite of love is fear, not hate. Every once in a while, a sermon can change your life. The opposite of fear is love, not hate. Now, yes, only love can defeat hate. But the opposite of love is fear. Love overcomes fear. And once you overcome that fear, the hate will leave. [00:27:49] (47 seconds)
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. [00:12:22] (15 seconds)
The story that we retrace in this first half of the liturgical year, the culmination of which is this Easter season with which we are almost done, perfect love casts out fear. [00:27:01] (17 seconds)
You know what's foundational to the first half of the year? Let's go to the beginning of the year now, let's go to the first half of the year. Fear. It isn't just that the disciples were afraid after Jesus died. The story began way back in Advent when the angel telling Mary, Fear not. I mean, I'd be kind of afraid if an angel just suddenly, whoo, appeared in my room and said, Hi! You know, I'd be a little nervous. Some supernatural being just showing up. So the angel said, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Six months later in our church year, kind of a quick life, right? Six months later in our church year, Jesus' story ends with, Peace I leave with you. Do not let your hearts be afraid. [00:21:08] (55 seconds)
In the middle weeks, though, of this whole six-month journey that we've been on, in the middle weeks of the story, fear lessens. The disciples are actually stepping away from the life they knew, and they are responding to Jesus' invitation to live differently. And they start to loosen up and open up. And after they witness some healings and miracles, they're like, huh, okay. Their stress starts abating a little bit. They start to have some faith that what they're following is real, and it's going to be okay, even if it doesn't seem normal. [00:25:40] (38 seconds)
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