“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. We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:18-19 (NIV)
I struggled with worry for years before overcoming anxiety with God’s help. So now, I pay close attention to when I feel fear creeping up on me, and I say a prayer whenever I notice it. It’s a simple act with significant consequences. By simply praying in the moment about whatever concerns me, I feel a sense of love that is much more powerful than my fears. God answers my prayers with perfect love, driving out fear and welcoming peace of mind.
How often do we allow fear to dictate our choices, paralyze our dreams, or hinder our relationships? How frequently do we forget that perfect love – the love that God offers – is the key to unlocking freedom from fear?
This passage in 1 John begins with a bold declaration: “There is no fear in love.” This statement is revolutionary in a world often gripped by anxiety and uncertainty. In these few words, the Bible challenges us to confront the root of our fears and anxieties, inviting us to immerse ourselves in the perfect love that God offers.
“But perfect love drives out fear,” the passage continues, providing a powerful solution to the age-old struggle against fear. Perfect love – not a human love tainted by conditions or limitations, but God’s love, which is complete and unconditional – serves as the antidote to fear. God’s perfect love is boundless. It’s a love that embraces us in our brokenness and assures us of our worthiness.
Why does perfect love drive out fear? The passage answers: “Because fear has to do with punishment.” Fear and punishment are both concepts that are rooted in the idea of judgment. The fear that haunts us is often linked to the anticipation of consequences – whether real or perceived. But in the face of perfect love from a God who loves us no matter what, the fear of punishment loses its grip on our hearts.
“The one who fears is not made perfect in love,” the passage declares, highlighting a crucial truth. Fear indicates an incomplete understanding of God’s love. When we allow fear to persist, it reveals a gap in our comprehension of the powerful love that God offers us. God invites us to draw closer to him and allow his transformative love to strengthen our faith.
Finally, the passage concludes: “We love because he first loved us,” bringing the focus back to the origin and inspiration of our love. The source of our love is not within ourselves. Instead, it flows from the boundless love that God has poured out on us. Our ability to love authentically is a response to the overwhelming love we have received from our loving God.
We’ll encounter many situations that make us feel afraid in this fallen world. But we can drive fear out of our lives by embracing the perfect love of God. When fear creeps up on us, we can pray about our concerns, entrusting them to the One who loves us perfectly and will do what’s best for us. The more we live in love rather than in fear, the more we can discover the wonder of God’s work in our lives – and that will inspire us to trust God more and break free from fear.
My loving Father in heaven, thank you for your perfect love. I give all my fears to you and trust you to handle each situation. Whenever I catch myself worrying, please remind me to pray about what concerns me so I’ll be free from the burden of that fear as you work in that situation. As I face the challenges of this fallen world, please help me stand firm in your love, knowing that I’m secure in your embrace. May my love for others be an outpouring of the love I’ve received from you as well. May my life be a testimony of how your perfect love drives out fear. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit so I can experience your perfect love and live with courage and confidence in all circumstances. Show me the wonder of your work in my life day by day, so I can grow closer to you. Lead me away from fear and toward your love as I walk through life with you. Thank you, God. I love you. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Nata Bene
Whitney Hopler helps people discover God's wonder and experience awe. She is the author of several books, including the nonfiction books Wake Up to Wonder and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, and the young adult novel Dream Factory. Whitney has served as an editor at leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She currently leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Connect with Whitney on her website at www.whitneyhopler.com, on Facebook, and on X/Twitter.
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