There are many things in life that can cause us to fear. What do you think the apostle John meant, when he wrote, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear”? (1 John 4:18 NIV). How do you apply this verse to your life?
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Lightweaver on November 9, 2009 at 10:17 am
There is a difference between the fear you have in your mind, and the fear you have in your heart or spirit. What we think as ‘fear’ in our mind can be easily overcome by changing our thinking mode to something more positive.
Fear in the spirit or heart are a different matter. I thank God that as a Christian I have tools given me by the Father to help me fend off the biggest menace of satan which is fear and fear of the unknown. Once we give root to fear, it grows and spreads, until we are frozen spiritually not being able to move forwards.
Yes, I have to agree that for the Christian, reminding him/herself about God’s love being perfected in us continually, will drive out fear. Standing on the word of God with scriptures easily memorized also drives out satan’s dark force of fear. It is much easier as Christians if we live the abundant life in Christ to walk in ‘perfect love’ through Christ, then to live in the world with nonbelievers reverting back to our flesh, and give an opening to fear.
I heard this saying a few years ago….”Fear Knocketh, Faith Answereth.” Isn’t this just so true!
lovejesus897 on November 11, 2009 at 9:54 am
There are so many fears in this world that it is hard not to fall into the trap of worrying and being fearful all the time. However God’s love quiets all of our fears and puts our minds at rest. If we find ourselves worrying and fearing everything we just need to stop and reflect on God’s love!
Jim T on November 12, 2009 at 8:08 am
There can be no fear in love because love covers all our faults. The love referred to here is the love of Christ for us and His Word says that nothing can separate us from His love. Whatever comes our way, if we truly believe and trust in Jesus Christ, has no power to inflict fear in us. We may suffer and cry out in pain, but if underneath that is the heart that truly believes in the sustaining love and grace of God. When we do have that kind of heart, no fear can break us.
joyce on November 12, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I agree with you all. Fear–of failure, of the unknown, of rejection, of wickedness–causes anxiety and even paralysis. But when we trust in God’s character as being loving and wise, we are freed from the prison of fear.
God’s love does not mean we don’t go through difficulties and disappointments. His love means that our suffering will not be in vain. With wisdom, God allowed Joseph to be enslaved in Egypt to become the Israelites’ protector; He trained the royally educated Moses in the desert for forty years until Moses dared not to lead unless God told him to; He allowed Daniel and his friends to go into a furnace so that His protection of them caused the King to declare that Jehovah is God. Following God leads to glory to Him and growth for His followers.
Knowing He is the same wise and loving God yesterday, today, and forever, I am able to abandon myself and my loved ones into His hands. We are in the process of selling our house and going somewhere that is yet to be determined. In the past, I would have been filled with anxiety because of the unknown, but now, I am filled with joy and anticipation because I know that God is taking us on an adventure, and the trip will have a wonderful ending. I am learning that we don’t have to spot and protect ourselves from every danger when we have a deeply loving and highly capable shepherd. Even if the trail is rugged and dusty, He’ll guide us to refreshing water.
Jesus had warned us that in this world we WILL have tribulation, but “be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.” Like Jesus who endured the cross by setting His eyes on the glory that was to come, we can endure if we set our eyes on things above, knowing that our loving God has already prepared a place for us.
Michaelcolmes on November 13, 2009 at 3:27 pm
The Bible tells us that God is love; that we should love God with all our heart, mind and soul and that we should love God with reverential fear. It also tells us that there is nothing to fear but fear itself.
There is nothing in this world that a child of God should fear. Nothing in this world can harm us or come upon us without God’s consent. Fear is the opposite of faith in that if we love God and walk in the Spirit, we can rest assure that He will protect us from all spiritual and physical harm.
If we arm ourselves with the full armor of God, no force from man or wiles from the devil shall prevail against us. Sickness cannot kill us because God decides when we die. Our enemies cannot harm us because God is our shield. The devil can set traps for us but we shall not be ensnared if we walk in the Spirit and it is not God’s will that we be ensnared.
The children of God is protected by Him and all that happens to him/her is in His hands. God is still in control.
lovejesus897 on November 14, 2009 at 8:43 am
Thank you Joyce for putting that comment up. My family and I are selling my late grandmothers house and do not know where we are going to go next. My hubby is out of work and the money for the house will not be released till March. It has been a crazy few months and I was starting to get stressed out. Then I logged in this morning and read your comment!! Thank you I needed to hear that God is always the same loving God and that He will take care of us and has a purpose for us! Thanks!!!
kenriquez on November 16, 2009 at 2:51 am
Indeed, all of us experience fear once in a while, be it in threatening circumstances, emergencies, personal hidden fears of rejection or loss, or fear of the unknown. But our fears must not overwhelm and defeat us. I believe that john is trying to say that the love of GOD, which is perfect, drives our fears and give us peace of mind and inner joy. His love gives us restoration, hope and security. His perfect love can fill in emptiness in a human heart nd sense of purpose in our lives.