As we continue our journey through 1 John, we pick up at verse 18 of Chapter 4. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle John writes:
“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.” 1 John 4:18
Fear is among the top of the weapons the enemy uses to discourage God’s children. The enemy tries to scare us into thinking God is going to punish us for something we did wrong, or that He will allow something to happen to one of our loved ones, or that what He has given us is going to be taken away. Fear and anxiety captures us if we let it, and we can be prisoners of it if we allow it. But there is Good News.
As a Child of God, that is one who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and walks with Him, we have the privilege of living in the kingdom of God here and now. That kingdom is ruled by Love. God is Love (1 John 4:16) Of course we will be in the heavenly realm in our next life, but we have been given heaven on earth when we are born again to live in today.
As a child of the flesh, and a child of the Spirit, with freedom of choice, the Lord allows us to choose where we will walk each day. We can walk in the flesh and all that comes with the ways of the world, or we can walk in the Spirit. Jesus taught, as we read in Matthew 6: 25-34, not to worry, and not to fear. He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all things we have need of will be given.” So as we walk in His kingdom, we walk in Love, and grace, and mercy. There is no fear there, only perfect Love.
Let us make a conscious choice to live in Love, and the power of it. Let us bow before The Source and thank Him for it as we receive it fresh and anew each morning. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. We shall be made perfect in it, and there is no place for fear and anxiety in perfect love.
Blessings and love to you, and yours, God’s Beloveds. Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” Mark 5:36
Poppa B.