A “no Fear” Zone

Read: 1 John 4:17-18

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 1 John 4:18

IN WORD

Human beings are full of fears. They nag us during the day and sometimes keep us up at night. They almost always seem reasonable even when they are completely irrational. They come from a multitude of directions and get energy from a multitude of past experiences. We have an almost endless capacity for asking “what if?” and thinking of negative answers to the question.

But how about these “what ifs”? What if we were completely, thoroughly loved by a being who was full of extravagant love and capable of doing whatever He wants? What if this being was constantly watching out for our best interests whether we perceived Him doing so or not? What if He was always by our side whether we sensed Him or not? What if He loved those of us who believe in Him so much that we could not possibly fail beyond repair even if we tried? What if we were so secure in Him that all our fears were unfounded?

The promise of Scripture is that all these things are true. These aren’t hypothetical possibilities; they are reality. All of God’s promises are “yes” and “amen” in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). The Kingdom culture is a place of no fear because the King’s presence eliminates all dangers. Sure, we can rebel and run away, and then we have plenty to fear. And sure, we have a fear of God that overwhelms us with His majesty. But fear of anything ultimately doing damage to our well-being while we’re in His presence? That’s totally unreasonable. The perfection of His love precludes any fear we might have.

IN DEED

Live in freedom from fear. Jesus came not only to deliver us from sin but also to deliver us from the fear that so often lies behind our sins. Our insecurities do not serve us well, and the love of the Father makes them unnecessary. We are completely, forever safe in Him.

ADDITIONAL READING: 2 Corinthians 1:20

The chains of love are stronger than the chains of fear.

WILLIAM GURNALL