I came across this scripture one day and was delighted to be reminded of it’s meaning.
This can be an encouragement to those who battle fear in their lives on a daily basis.
God’s Word is Truth and when we find these gems we must hang onto them. We must meditate on them and allow them to nourish us. The Word is food to our soul.
1Jn 4:18 NASB There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.
“There is no fear in love” That would indicate that fear and love cannot occupy the same place. They cannot co-exist.
“but perfect love casts out fear,” What is perfect love? Or should I say, who is perfect love?
1Jn 4:16 NASB We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
“God is love” The Bible is clear that God is love. He is the very essence of love.
So, from this we can conclude that God casts out fear. It is interesting if you look at some of the commentaries on this. One said this means “drives out fear, or to turn it out-of-doors.” We can say God will take our fear and throw it right out the door! How about that? I like that idea!
You see fear and love cannot exist together. When we are Christians, we have God in the form of the Holy Spirit actually living in us. God is love so they cannot occupy the same space. Now, which is stronger? Do you think worldly fear is stronger than God’s love? Who will be the victor in this battle?
Here are two versions of 2 Timothy 1:7.
2Ti 1:7 LITV For God did not give a spirit of cowardice to us, but of power and of love and of self-control.
2Ti 1:7 KJV For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
You would think that the opposite of fear would be peace. I thought that for years. I was full of fear and I wanted peace. So, in my mind they were opposites. But, let’s look at this verse. God did not give us the spirit of fear or cowardice, but of power and of love. There it is; not fear but love. The opposite of fear is love. The power comes with this love in the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Here is what Dr. Jay Adams says: “The enemy of fear is love; the way to put off fear then is to put on love…Love is self-giving, fear is self-protecting. Love moves toward others; fear shrinks away from them. But…we must remember that love is the stronger since it is able to ‘cast out’ fear. In dealing with fear nothing else possesses the same explusive power.” (Wayne and Joshua Mack, The Fear Factor, Hensley Publishing, Tulsa, Oklahoma 2002, Pg. 23)
God’s love is mighty. I’m so fortunate to have Him fighting on my side.
You can begin today to take fear in hand and with God’s help throw it out the door.
Look for someway to turn your thoughts from yourself and toward others.
- Make a phone call to check up on someone who has been ill.
- Visit someone who needs encouragement from another Christian.
- Send someone a card.
- Take time to pray for others not just yourself.
There are many things you can do that involves giving of yourself. Pray about it and allow the Lord to put something on your heart that you can do, then do it.
Just one reminder, what ever you do, don’t do it in a selfish manner. Don’t do it just so you can get rid of fear. Do it out of God’s love for one another. Do it with a servant heart and attitude.
If you take this challenge, I’d love for you to write in and let us know what you did to begin to cast out fear and put on love.
I must make this one disclaimer: If your fear and anxiety are caused from a true physical problem such as low blood sugar, thyroid disease, or something else physical, then those problems need to be addressed also.
I would still say that peace can be the opposite of fear, and are still related. I do like the 1 john chapter of love and fear
The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ when we are anxious and worried. Jesus also says that He gives us peace and that we should not be afraid.
but good reminder of the power of love. Thanks!!!
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