Perfect Love
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. I John 4:18
The topic of love is everywhere we turn. It’s on the radio, TV, in books we read, etc. But for how prominent the subject is, we still don’t understand the depth of the God kind of love (agape).
God’s love is far different than the love between people. God IS love. He doesn’t just act loving, but He is the force of love. His presence of love is what lit the earth when God said, “Let there be light.” Love is the power that raised Jesus from the dead. God is love, and love is power.
This verse teaches us another thing about love – that fear is not allowed near love. We see many times in the scripture when Jesus would remind, even command His followers not to fear. You can’t operate in fear and love at the same time. Fear will short-circuit the force of love and faith from working.
We also can’t be courageous without the force of love at work in our lives. True courage comes from knowing who we are in Christ. Ephesians 3:17 says, “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love….” We must be rooted and grounded in love – living and abiding in that force. When we do that, we will find that love never fails (as 1 Corinthians 13 says), and it will cast out fear.
You can stand strong and courageous in the love of God. Allow the power of His love to penetrate your life and give you the power you need. Be perfected in His love today.
Dear Lord, thank you that your love casts out fear. When I’m in You, I know that I can stand strong and courageous. Amen.
