“perfect love drives out fear,” says in I John 4:18, NIV
Jesus demonstrated that “perfect love drives out fear” when he offered himself to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. With this, can we not also approach our own lives with courage, knowing that nothing can separate us from that kind of love? That kind of love – the love that overwhelms our fears to the point where our fears become powerless.
With my daughter Kiyah’s permission, here is a little story surrounding fear from when she was little.
“When I was around 7 or 8 years old, some school friends of mine invited me to go biking with them around the neighborhood. My friends and I, all on our tiny bikes, feeling invincible, rode around the neighborhood. Surprisingly, someone came up with the idea to race back to my house. “Oh, I can win this. Easily!” I said to myself. We all began picking up speed, my legs moving faster and faster underneath me. Soon, I couldn’t even see my friends beside me anymore – I was in the first place until I found myself flying over my handlebars. Now, all I could feel was the asphalt.
I ran to my mother with tears and trembling with fear. Her warm embrace and consoling words brought me great comfort at that moment. My mother’s presence, filled with love, reassured me that fear can be overcome.”
Fear can be powerless when confronted with unconditional love. The Bible says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” As Christ’s disciples, we must go out into the world with that kind of love because that kind of love can empower those living in fear through the witness of our love. Jesus’ love within us is unstoppable, so powerful that it can calm all storms. Jesus’ love makes us fearless. We are strong and powerful in His love.
So, what can you do this week and days ahead to imitate and demonstrate Jesus’ love in your life?
Prayer Song:
Oh, how He loves you and me, Oh how He loves you and me.
He gave his life, what more could he give?
Oh, how He loves you; Oh, how he loves me; Oh, how he loves you and me.
Jesus to Calvary did go, His love for sinners to show.
What He did there brought hope from despair.
Oh, how He loves you; Oh, how he loves me; Oh, how he loves you and me. Amen.
