No fear in love
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love”. 1 John 4:18 (NKJV)
After final submission of my master thesis, I felt relieved that the pressure was over, and I now have time to do other things in my life. This releif was short lived because almost immediately I found myself being anxious about the next step to take. Nobody likes the feeling of anxiety or fear, yet it pervades our everyday lives. Entering new phases of life can be both exciting and daunting. As Christians, we often find ourselves at crossroads, facing transitions that can range from changing careers, starting a family, moving to a new place, or embarking on a new ministry.
In transitions, it is common for people to experience fear, anxiety, excitement and self-doubt caused by the unknown. People find transitions challenging as they have to face a certain level of uncertainty and leave familiar and known ways behind. However, the scripture from 1 John 4:18 offers us a profound truth that can set us free: " There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love”. Fear thrives in the absence of love, feeding on our insecurities and doubts. But when we are filled with the assurance of God's perfect love, there is no room for fear to take hold. Just as light dispels darkness, God's love dispels fear.
To live fearlessly is not to deny the existence of challenges or difficulties but to face them with the confidence that God's love is greater than any obstacle. It is to trust that God's plans for us are good and that He is always with us, even in the midst of trials. When we anchor our lives in His love, we can step out in faith, knowing that He will guide us, protect us, and provide for us.
In 2 Timothy 1:7, the apostle Paul provide a powerful reminder and encouragement: "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
Paul's command to Timothy emphasizes that the Spirit God has given us is not one of fear or timidity. This Spirit, the Holy Spirit, empowers us with boldness. It is essential to recognize that our ability to face new challenges does not come from our strength but from the Spirit of God within us. When we understand that the Holy Spirit equips us, we can approach new phases of life with confidence, knowing we are not alone.
The book of Acts had always been intriguing to me and it still is. How believers were able to stand in the midst of people to boldly declare that Jesus is the Son of God, with no care in the world about their life, beats my imagination. We know that this could only happen after they have been empowered by the Holy Spirit.
In our days, the conditions have changed but the power and assurance remain the same. This power gives us the resilience to push through, the courage to face our fears, and the strength to keep moving forward. It reminds us that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Reflect
Reflect on the areas of your life where fear has taken root. Bring those fears before God and ask Him to fill you with His power.
Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your perfect love that casts out all fear. Help us to fully embrace this love and to live confidently in the assurance of Your power. Teach us to trust in You completely, and to walk boldly in the path You have set before us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."