Perfect Love

“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.” 1 John 4:18

The definition of fear is “a distressing emotion aroused by impeding danger, evil, pain, etc., whether it is real or imagined. Fear is the feeling or condition of being afraid.” We fear many things including the fear of the unknown and loss: fear of death, illness, disasters, failure, rejection and loneliness.  The “unknown” can keep us feeling uneasy and uncertain. We can plan, be prepared and hope for the best, but we just don’t know the future and the outcome. Others common fears include the fear of flying, heights, public speaking, the dark, spiders, clowns, crime, the economy, the environment, the government, and on and on it goes.

When we are fearful, we are in a battle for our very lives. Fear creates discouragement which leads to army of problems including anxiety, depression and others. Fear is punishment but there is life by the Spirit. “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Galatians 5:16. The Bible tells us repeatedly how to retrain our minds against fear and to stand firm in His perfect love for us: “This is what the Lord says to you: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. You will not have to fight the battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” 2 Chronicles 20:15&17.

Hearts needing transformation and renovation desire money and other external comforts to make them feel secure. The Bible tells us to be content and not fall into temptation which leads to ruin or punishment; “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

God’s grace is enough: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.” 1 Peter 1:13-14. The world looks at us in amazement because we have heart and mind of Christ. No matter how odd we may appear to the world, we must follow the Lord’s leading. There is freedom in Christ. Stand firm knowing His perfect love that drives out fear.