January 28, 2015 (Wednesday)
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 (1 John 4:18 NIV).
We live in an era when it’s easy to be afraid. News of the world’s activities flood our minds every day, and much of the news is scary. The scripture verse above helps us to understand how we can conquer fear. Think of your heart as a cup. Is it filled with fear? It cannot fill the same space with love. So pour in the love. Keep pouring until the fear is driven out. That’s what 1 John 4:18 is saying.
Did you ever wonder where Jesus got the incredible ability to forgive those who were driving nails into his hands? Since He was filled with love for all, there was no room in his heart and mind for revenge, anger, malice or hatred. Hence, neither was there any fear. Perhaps you have asked yourself how Jesus was able to face the sufferings of the cross with such courage. This is the answer. Perfect love drove out potential fear.
If you want to make a mess in your kitchen for the sake of an object lesson, pour oil into a cup. Then pour crystal clear water into the cup. Keep pouring in the pure water, and soon the oil will all be gone. Down the drain. As the the water will not mix with the oil and drives it out, so the precious love of God in our own hearts displaces fear.
No wonder God said to His people long ago, Fear not! (Isaiah 43). Being filled with God’s love is the way to do that.
Jesus replied, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second most important is similar: ‘Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.’ All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets stem from these two laws and are fulfilled if you obey them. Keep only these and you will find that you are obeying all the others.” (Matthew 22:38-40 TLB).