“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.  For fear has to do with torment.  He that fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18 KJV)

           Fear is a primal, protective emotion that alerts us to the presence of danger.  Its primary cause is the threat of harm, whether that threat is real or imagined. We can be afraid of snakes, spiders, heights, death, illnesses, darkness, personal harm, loss of a spouse, loss of a child or parent, closed in spaces, being by oneself, fear of not passing a test, fear of flying, fear of succeeding, fear of failure, fear of not being good enough and the list goes on and on.  

           “There is no fear in love” which means that true complete love is incompatible with fear.  For God’s love removes fear by addressing its deepest root: the threat of what happens if our fear becomes reality.  

The more a person understands they are unconditionally loved,the less power external threats have over them.

I am afraid of being alone—God’s love comforts us.  I am afraid of death—God wraps His loving arms around us and gives us peace.  I am afraid of losing my spouse—God love gives us courage and the strength to know that no matter what happens God is with us.  

God’s love moves in and through us every moment of every day, giving us strength, hope, courage, and peace no matter our fear. For fear cannot coexist with the fullness of God’s presence.  When love becomes the primary motivator for actions, fear loses its grip.  For perfect love casts out all fear.  It is something for us to remember.  God Bless. Amen.

denise