Relinquish Fear, Stand In Love
Saturday, December 23
1 John 4:18 (KJV)
”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.“
Devotion
We see in 1 John 4:18 that fear is a tormentor. Fear can cause you to dread the future and the unknown. It can even cause you to be paralyzed by the thought of the second coming of Christ.
But we have no need to fear when we love, because perfect love casts out fear. When we love others, God's love is perfected in us. Our perspectives shift when we have a true understanding of God's love for us. The only ones who should fear are those who aren’t in Christ. They continue to suppress the thought of the fast approaching day when we see our creator.
Instead, there should be peace for those who are in Christ and walk in his love. Jesus has given us freedom from many things; addiction, depression, anxiety, just to name a few. Think about it, why would he nail fear to the cross just to have his children continue to walk in it? We can have confident assurance that our life is in his hands and we don’t have to live in what he already took to the cross. He said, he will keep those in perfect peace whose eyes continue to be on him (Isaiah 26:3). He already knows our future and it is filled with hope, life, health, and strength!
Be encouraged today as you look to Jesus as your example. Relinquish your fears as you walk in love. And rest in the promise of eternal life.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Your Word tells us not to fear 365 times, so today and every day, I choose to put my faith in You. When fear tries to creep in, I ask that You immediately lead me to You in prayer. I long to grow to the point that my initial reaction to even the worst of circumstances is faith, rather than allowing fear to arise within me. Thank You, Father, for helping me to grow stronger in this area and be a help to lead others in the same path. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Start exploring the theme of "Fear Not" in the Bible by locating passages that address this concept. Delve into the context of the situations described and pay attention to the reassuring words that urge individuals not to fear. Embrace the victorious outcomes of these situations as a means to strengthen your faith.
Resources:
- Watch the message, “Choose Faith Over Fear,” and walk in a new chapter, surrounded by God’s perfect love which casts out all fear.
- Read Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 23:4, John 14:27, Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:6