Daily Bread 2011 - 1 John 4

1 John 4
17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 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. 19 We love because he first loved us.

What Does This Mean?
This is one of the most beautiful passages in all scripture. Again we see the process of transformation takes place through the power of love. We hear the most magnificent verse, “Perfect love casts out all fear.” Whenever we fear as human beings it is always a result of not understanding God’s “perfect love” for us. There is fear in perfect love, because most fear stems from a fear of failing, rejection or even bodily harm. And yet if we know the God of the universe loves us, we really have nothing to fear. If God is for us who can be against us!

Fear has to do with punishment. Love can discipline, but it is always out of a perfect love that desires the best for the other person. God disciplines those whom he loves. God is love, so that if we have the Spirit of God in us, this is the same love that sent Jesus to the world. This is the same love that Jesus chose when he went to the cross. This is the same love that raised Jesus from the dead in God’s power. The only thing we would need to fear is the day of judgment, but if we are in Christ we can have confidence because of what He has done for us.

What Does This Mean For Us?
It means most profoundly we can live with boldness and courage. We can have courage knowing that He has overcome the world, and greater is He that is in us that He that is the world. Yes, we will be challenged. Yes, our enemy will try to dissuade and discourage us. Yes, we will all fall. Yes, we will all have times of doubting God’s love. And yet, in our hearts the Spirit testifies that we are God’s, and He loves us no matter what and nothing will separate us from the love of God not even death.

What a great promise for you to hang on to. God loves you no matter what, and you don’t have to be afraid because perfect love casts out all fear. I would suggest the next time you feel fearful or anxious to meditate on those words. Perfect love casts out all fear. Fear not for I am with you, says the Lord. I will be with you and redeem you and I will call you by name, child you are mine. Though you walk through waters I will be there, and you will not be harmed. No way! Fear not for I am with you, says the Lord.

Gracious God thank you for the courage you give us to live confidently knowing that greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world. Amen.

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