 | There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. |
 | 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. |
 | 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. |
| 1 John 4:18 |
Commentary
Love is evidence of salvation. If you are born of God through faith in Jesus Christ, you have His nature within (2 Pet. 1:4). Since "God is love" (vv. 8, 16), His children who have His nature should also manifest His love. The children should be like the Father!
Our love for others makes God's love real and visible to them (v. 12) so we can better witness to them about Christ. It also makes God real and personal to us. Merely reading in the Bible about God's love is not enough. Seek to experience that love in your heart by sharing it with others.
Just as truth is victorious over lies (vv. 1-6), love is victorious over fear (vv. 17-19). As you mature in your love for God, you realize that you have nothing to fear, for your Father has everything under control. You trust those you love, and faith and love will give victory over fear.
Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1991). With the word Bible commentary (1 Jn 4:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Thank you for this Daily Verse. It is something I have been strugling with recently and having this truth reinstilled in my heart has reminded me what love means. I need to live in perfect Love and want to work on that especially. Thank you for this helpful and important passage.
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