Love as the Opposite of Fear
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.
Story: In many previous entries of the fear journal, faith was the opposite of fear. But here, John adds the thought that so is love the opposite. Now, love is not some vague feeling in you, but John defines it in connection with the salvation in Jesus Christ (see v. 10, 15-16). When you believe that Jesus is the sacrifice for your sins (v. 10 uses the word propitiation, whish is a type of sacrifice), you also come to know and abide in God’s love for you. This complete or perfect love of God removes fear of judgment and punishment; nothing can separate you from the love of God. So the more I review the Gospel and how God has loved me and continues to love me, the less fear I will have. God’s perfect and complete love for me casts out fear.
My Prayer Response: Father, Wow! Thank You for this love, and that You first loved me – even when I was full of sin and fear. My heart is singing with joy as I consider how deep and high and long is Your love for me; a love that will not let me go. When I am afraid, I will trust in You; when I am afraid, I will think over how You have loved me and continue to love me!
May you know and consider God’s complete, perfect love for you!