“The Need for Nurture” 1 John 3:11-24

I. Relationships are important for life God gives relationships to meet a social need. –Husband and wife Genesis 2:18, “…It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” –Parent and child

I. Relationships are important for life Our relationships will be quite different in heaven. –No marriage in heaven Matthew 22:30, “…people will neither marry nor be given in marriage…” –No longer have a social need.

II. Relationships are at various levels in life Murder –Lowest level –Example of Cain Hatred –God sees it as the same as murder Matthew 5:21-22 “Raca” –Hatred put into action results in murder

II. Relationships are at various levels in life Indifference Love –Greater love has no man – John 15:13 –Jesus gave the prime example Personal – Romans 5:8 Active – John 3:16 Sacrificial – 1 John 3:16 Serving – Mark 10:45

III. Relationships require cultivation Action –Talk can be insincere –Love in action does something James 2:15-16 Obedience –Live by what the Scriptures teach 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 –Keep His commandments John 15:10-11

III. Relationships require cultivation God’s command to love one another –The second greatest commandment Matthew 22:37-40 –“Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12