There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. – 1 John 4:18
Asaph, the writer of Psalm 73, expressed his frustration and envy of the arrogant and wicked people who enjoyed prosperity and good health as if there was no God until he realized that they would be judged and utterly destroyed for their unbelief (Psalm 73:9-19). It was a solemn realization, but it brought him comfort to know that even in his trials and distresses, God was his rock and salvation.
The apostle John conveys a similar message in today’s verse. The love of God toward you and your love for Him can have a great impact on your outlook on life. In context, John writes about the day of judgment that is to come. All of humanity will either experience eternal life or punishment. As a believer who loves the Lord and receives His love, you no longer fear punishment. The penalty for your sin was satisfied on the cross and taken away. You have a victory that lost souls do not enjoy.
God’s merciful redemption through Christ gives you the boldness to proclaim His love to others. As you share the truth found in Him, you will have peace and power through the Holy Spirit (John 16:33; Acts 1:8). You have confidence, regardless of your circumstances, because “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
You may approach your day with confidence and in joyful awareness of the presence of the Lord. Pray for those in this nation who have yet to know God’s perfect love for them – the love they can experience through Him alone that removes all fear.
Today’s Verse: 1 John 4:18
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.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 John 4:13-19
13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 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. 19 We love because he first loved us.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
