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. 1 John 4:18 NIV
Perfect love! We spend millions yearly on books, movies, and music based on love stories. We can’t get enough, even though most are variations of the same theme. The couple meets, and it is love at first sight. They face seemingly impossible odds, the odds defeated, and they live happily ever after. Sound familiar? However excellent those stories may seem, there is no true perfect love without God.
Today’s scripture talks not only about perfect love but also about fear. There are different types of fear. First is our fear of God, meaning the awe, respect, and honor we hold for Him–this is right and healthy. The fear of God brings perfect love. Then there is the fear Satan wields punishment. The fear of Satan, well, it just issues more fear–love is nowhere in sight. When bound by satanic fear, we cannot experience God’s perfect love. Only in accepting Christ as our Savior are our bonds broken.
Thanks to Jesus, the things we had to fear, the overpowering dread of judgment for our sins, we need fear no longer. Jesus bore our sins upon the cross. In Him, we have received forgiveness. We have experienced His perfect love; because of this, we can love ourselves and others as we should.
Holy Father, we give thanks for your perfect love that frees us from fear. Please help us as we share your love with others. May those now living in fear come to accept Christ as their Savior and receive your freedom. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim

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