Perfect Love = No Fear

Last week we talked about how fear paralyzes us, while faith mobilizes us. And in order to make it through the valley of the shadow of whatever we are dealing with, we need to turn our backs on those shadows, and face the light of God who will help us through those valleys.

So let’s think about fear from another angle. In I John 1:18 we are told that, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.” So what does that mean? What is perfect love, and how do you learn to live in God’s love so that you can live free of fear?

Well, we have been learning that love isn’t a feeling or emotion, but rather, a person, and that person is God. The point of this verse is that because of God’s love for His children, we no longer have to fear anything as a child of God! But that is the qualifier…are you a child of God?

Those who are children of God will enjoy God’s protection and blessing in their lives! And because God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present…nothing happens outside of His control, allowing His children to rest in that confidence, fearing nothing!

So the key to living a fear-less life, is to make sure you are right with God…that you are one of His children and living life His way. But this way of living is not a one-time spiritual decision that is made at some evangelistic event…no, this is now your life…abiding in Christ. And to live in such a way, you have to surrender your heart to God every day.

When you wake up every morning, before your feet hit the floor, you have to say, “God, thank you for another day to live for You! I surrender my emotions, my feelings, and my heart to you today. I want you to control my mind and thoughts, and I want you to fill me with your love!”

Consider Job 11:13-18, “Surrender your heart to God, turn to Him in prayer, and give up your sins – even those you do in secret. Then you won’t be ashamed; you will be confident and fearless. Your troubles will go away like water beneath a bridge, and your darkest night will be brighter than noon. You will rest safe and secure, filled with hope and emptied of worry” (CEV).

Notice that there are 3 commands attached to 8 promises in these verses. God says, “If you will do this, then I will respond in this way.” The 3 commands are simple: Surrender your heart to God every day. Turn to Him in prayer, and confess any sins to Him.

Notice the benefits: You won’t be ashamed; you’ll be confident and fearless; your troubles will be like water under the bridge; your darkness will brighten more than the moon; you can sleep will because you are safe and secure; and you will be filled with hope and not worry!
Follow these commands each day, and your life will be filled with love and not fear!

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