Jan 23
Never Bring Fear
23rd JANUARY 2023
Love never brings fear, for fear is always related to punishment. But love’s perfection drives the fear of punishment far from our hearts. Whoever walks constantly afraid of punishment has not reached love’s perfection. 1 John 4:18 TPT
Fear can take many forms and can manifest in different ways in our lives. It can be the fear of failure, the fear of rejection, or the fear of punishment. But what all these forms of fear have in common is that they are rooted in a lack of love. Fear takes hold of our hearts when we do not know what to expect, and more importantly, when we are not confident that no matter what lies ahead, we have someone on our side who has assured us of the right outcomes.
When we walk in fear, we are not living in perfect love. We are not living in a state of peace and security, but rather in a state of anxiety and uncertainty. When we are constantly afraid of punishment, it means that we are not living in a state of forgiveness and grace. We are not extending compassion and kindness to ourselves and others. However, when love is present, fear is driven away. Love is the perfect antidote to fear. When we experience love, we feel accepted, we feel valued, and we feel secure.
Perfect love is not just a feeling or an emotion, it is a way of being. It is a way of living that is characterized by selflessness, kindness, and compassion. When we live in perfect love, we are able to see others not just as they are, but as they could be, with all their potential and possibilities. Perfect love also means that we are willing to forgive and extend grace. It means that we are not quick to judge or to hold grudges. Perfect love is not just about how we feel, but it’s about how we act. It is about how we treat others, and how we treat ourselves.
Love brings peace to our hearts and minds, allowing us to let go of our fears. This is what the verse is saying, “Love never brings fear, for fear is always related to punishment.” When we experience love, fear is replaced by peace and security. This is what God has offered us through Christ Jesus; the perfection of perfect love!
Heavenly Father, teach us to strive to live in perfect love. Help us extend grace and forgiveness to ourselves and others. Let us show compassion and kindness in our words and actions. Let us let go of fear and embrace peace and security in Christ. Help us to strive to walk in perfect love constantly, so that fear will be driven far from our hearts, and we can reach love’s perfection, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Further Reading: 2 Timothy 1:7
Bible In One Year: Genesis [29–32]
