No Fear in Love

This devotional is from my archives. I think I wrote this back in 2014. It was hid in a folder for my next book. Oh, there’s tons of writings there… Yes we’re still on the topic of love. We need more love – especially today.

King James

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

Living Translation

Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that his love has not been perfected in us. 1 John 4:18

The Message Bible

There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life – fear of death, fear of judgment – is one not yet fully formed in love. 1 John 4:18

I woke this morning with this scripture ringing in my head, so I thought I would share my thought for today.

To fully love, we must rid ourselves of fear knowing that God fully is in control of the situation and protects us.  Like scared little babies, we hold back love for people in fear of being hurt.  We close the door further and further away from our hearts and push people away.  With fear we cripple and hinder all that we could experience and the gift others could receive.

One of the things we must recognize, God’s got this!  He has the ultimate plan.  There is not an experience to fear when He is in it.  Hurt, rejection, denial, persecution – it’s a part of the reality of life.  It’s what the fall of man brought into the world.  It’s what God wants to heal us from – so we truly can have relationship with Him and others. Fear in this world, is why God sent His son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He set an example of fulfilling the plan of His life even when He knew others around Him would hurt Him.  Why?  Out of love…

Knowing that “all things work for good” for those “called according to His purpose” – we need to make the decision to dispel fear out of our hearts and just love.  Operating in the fear of what others may do, we miss out on what relationship with others brings to the table.  We miss out on the fullness of a bond with others.  Fear takes up all the space in our hearts and minds where love could exist.

As I heard suggested on a tape of TD Jakes – it doesn’t matter what the person has done or not done – we are to walk in faith by making a decision and the decision to just love – as God has made the ultimate sacrifice to love us.

I’m not sure for whom this message is sent but receive and act upon it.  I know I must.