FEAR
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
We all experience fear at one time or another. Some fear is actually healthy, as it keeps us from doing stupid things that could cause us great harm. Some fears are irrational, as they are based only on lack of knowledge or failure to believe the truth. Some of our fear is just about the unknown.
Paul draws a connection between fear and bondage. Fear of death brings bondage. "And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." Hebrews 2:15. The bondage of sin brings fear. "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." Romans 8:15. Fear and bondage go together. However, we see that God wants to free us from bondage and fear.
God's grace has provided freedom for those that believe. Only as we begin to understand and accept the love of God can we find release from our fear. When we come to the realization that God's love for us cannot be moved or changed, and that in His love, He has provided all that we need, we can rest from our fear of the unknown. God will never leave us nor forsake us. If God be for us, who can be against us. "So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." Hebrews 13:6.
God's love casteth out fear, because it covers us and provides for us and protects us. By His love, we are given the spirit of power and of a sound mind, which keep us from fear. 2 Timothy 1:7. There are many today, that are afraid because they are not certain of their final destiny. Too much religious teaching that leaves people with so much uncertainty. God's love provides us with certainty. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:28. 1 “And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” John 2:25.
So, the way to rid ourselves of fear is through faith. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17. As we study God’s Word, our faith is built up. We understand better His promises and His love. We realize more and more His faithfulness.
We have nothing to fear. We have great and precious promises that are based on God’s perfect love. We need simply to rest in His love and or fears will be cast out.
