There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. —1 John 4:18
A wise man once wrote, "When love comes, fear goes."
I know so many Christians who are tormented by feelings of self-doubt, worthlessness, and sinfulness. They think they must do something to make God love them more. Yet the apostle John said that "as [Jesus] is, so are we in this world" (1 John 4:17). In other words, we share the same confidence that Jesus has in knowing that the Father loves us with perfect love.
Because Jesus accomplished our redemption on the cross, all judgment for sin is behind Him and us, and the sin question is forever settled. We now face no condemnation.
This removes fear. For as John wrote, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear" (v.18). The "fear" of which John spoke is fear of judgment. But we have nothing to fear, for "there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Fear is driven out by God's "perfect love."
We're forgiven for all our sins, held fast by God's love, and destined to enjoy eternal fellowship with Him, not because of anything we have done but because He has done everything for us. "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us" (1 John 4:10). That's perfect love!
It was love that heard my pleadings
When I cried out in my sin;
It was love that gave me comfort;
It was love that took me in.
We won't fear God's judgment when we know His forgiving love.
