1 John 4:18 (NIV) ~ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.

Now the King James Version of the Bible says this, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.” Where there is fear there is insecurity and uncertainty. Where there is fear there are seeds of doubt sown in the field of your heart and mind which, if not cast out by the roots but allowed to grow into weeds, will choke the life out of whatever you have a dream for.

Perfect love feeds the soil with good things; it casts out fear and brings an overwhelming conviction of the truth. Pure love brings you to a safe place where you need never fear, but always feel the warmth of a tender embrace of untainted love without one stain or hidden wrinkle of disapproval. Within this love, you will find a place where you are wanted, treasured and valued. To be fearful within a relationship is not healthy; indeed, it is detrimental to any relationship, because if you are fearful of someone, then how can you truly love them?

There is a huge difference between having a pure reverent fear of the Lord and hiding from Him in fear. This kind of fear has to do with condemnation and punishment, but for those who are in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation and through His grace you have forgiveness. Charles H. Spurgeon once said, “Fear dwells upon the punishment deserved, and so has no rest. When perfect love assures the pardoned soul, the heart has joyful rest.”

My friend, today let His perfect love for you wash over your life, let His perfect love refresh you, and let it cheer your heart as you approach the Throne of God in prayer. Whatever fear has tried to knock at the door of your heart in order to gain access to your life and cause you to be fearful, wherever fear may present itself if even in disguise, then let His perfect love drive it far from you. Let His perfect peace keep you; let His perfect faithfulness be your shield and His perfect love be the perfect place for your heart to dwell.

God bless you my friend, Matthew