In 1 John 4:18 I read, “Wherever God's love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear.” (NCV)
People tend to think the opposite of fear is faith. I’m finding it’s not. The opposite of fear is actually love.
Love moves against fear. When love comes in the front door of my heart, fear goes out the back door. I can’t be afraid and loving at the same time, not with real love. When I have real love, God’s kind of love, then I don’t have to fear.
People don’t run into a burning building to rescue children because of faith. They do it because of love. Parents will put their lives at risk to protect their families because they love their babies.
If love is the motivation of everything I do, then fear is going to disappear.
“Wherever God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18 NCV).
When I start feeling fear rise up in me, or something I have to do is making me nervous, I need to pause at that moment. Then focus on how much God loves me. I may need to remind myself out loud: “God, you really love me! You’re on my side. You want me to succeed in this. I’m going to do it in your strength and with your love.”
God doesn’t want me to fail. He wants me to succeed at what I’m doing in life and fulfill my purpose. When I focus on his love, I won’t be afraid. Perfect love casts out all fear!
When I’m fearful, I'm focusing totally on myself. That’s not love! When I’m loving, I’m focused not on myself but on what others need.
The more loving I am, the less fearful I’ll be. So, if I make love my motivation for what I do, I’m not going to be afraid to do it. Make love my motivation, and move against my fear.
In summary, wherever God's love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear. People tend to think the opposite of fear is faith, Actually the opposite of fear is love. Love moves against fear. When love comes in the front door of my heart, fear goes out the back door. I can’t be afraid and loving at the same time. When I have real love, God’s kind of love, then I don’t have to fear. If love is the motivation of everything I do, then fear is going to disappear. When I start feeling fear rise up in me, or something I have to do is making me nervous, I need to pause. Then focus on how much God loves me. God doesn’t want me to fail. He wants me to succeed and fulfill my purpose. When I focus on his love, I won’t be afraid. Also when I’m loving, I’m focused not on myself but on what others need. If I make love my motivation for what I do, I’m not going to be afraid to do it.
In retrospect, If I am afraid of the future, I can remind myself of God's love. I know that he loves me perfectly. I can resolve my fears first by focusing on his immeasurable love for me, and then by allowing him to love others through me. His love will quiet my fears and give me confidence. Father, I ask that your Holy Spirit in me, help remind me of this and to not fear but do things out of love. I also ask for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. I pray these things through your Son Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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