WHEN LOVE GETS LOUDER — PART 7
Fear is part of being human, but it was never meant to tell us how to live. In this series, we'll look honestly at the voice of fear while discovering again the Perfect Love that draws us toward Himself.
When Perfect Love Gets The Last Word
Living From The Love That Casts Out Fear
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear...”1 John 4:18
The Answer Was Love
We've looked at where fear sends us, the advice it gives, what it costs us, how it steals today by worrying about tomorrow, the power we give to people's opinions, and the courage we need when fear is still present.
John brings us to something beautifully simple.
Perfect Love casts out fear.
Not perfect courage.
Not perfect faith.
Not better reasoning or greater determination.
Love.
Fear Drives, Love Draws
Fear and Love move us very differently.
Fear drives us toward hiding, controlling, protecting, performing, and shrinking our lives around whatever frightens us.
Love draws us toward relationship, freedom, trust, and the safety of being completely known.
And John isn't telling us to love God perfectly enough to make our fear disappear.
He has already told us, “We love because He first loved us.”
The Perfect Love is His.
When Fear Meets Perfect Love
I don't have to manufacture enough courage to overcome fear or pretend it isn't there. I can bring whatever frightens me right into the Love where I already live.
Abba knows every fear before I ever name it. Jesus shares His life with me right in the middle of it, and the Holy Spirit keeps revealing the truth of who I am and Whose I am.
Fear may still knock on the door, but it no longer gets to tell me who I am or how I must live.
Love Gets The Last Word
The goal was never becoming a person who never feels afraid. It is living so deeply aware of the Father's Love that fear no longer gets the final word.
When fear says hide, Love draws me closer.
When fear tells me to protect myself, Love reminds me who I am.
When fear says I'm alone, Love tells me the Truth.
Fear may have a voice, but Perfect Love has the final word.
And His Love never fails.
Reflection
Where has fear been speaking louder than Love?
What does Abba's Perfect Love say is true about me right now?
What might change if I faced today's fear knowing how completely I am loved?
Prayer
Abba Father, awaken me again to Your Perfect Love. When fear speaks, let Your Love become the voice I know, trust, and follow. Amen.