1 John 4:17-18: Do Not Fear – Part X
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Jean Baptiste Marie Pierre: The Adoration of the Shepherds
John reminds us that the one sure antidote against fear is love.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. (NASB)
John tells us that the power of love overcomes the power of evil, always.
There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment. (GNT)
John reminds us that all love that emanates from God has the power to heal and transform.
God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. (MSG)
John tells us that as we grow in love and in Christ, we no longer are a harbor of fear.
Today, as we reflect on our fears, we might ask ourselves, “In this new year, how might we make ourselves ready to grow in love?”
Although Christmastide has closed, we continue to reflect on the confidence God’s words bring to us, “There is no room in love for fear”.
The Noontimes 