June 18 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.. 1John 4:18

Fear Is Faith in the Negative Fear is another hindrance because it keeps us from believing we can approach God in prayer. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment [“because fear involves torment”  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” We’re afraid to approach God when we think He will remember our sin or failure and hold it against us. This prevents freedom and confidence in prayer; it blocks faith and renders prayer ineffective.

The Bible says that “fear involves torment.” Fear immobilizes you. Fear is faith in what could go wrong rather than faith in what could go right. It is believing the devil and other people rather than God.

When you go before God, your sins do not matter if you confess them to Him, appropriating the cleansing blood of Jesus to purify you from all unrighteousness. He will forgive you, and you can approach Him as if you never sinned. No fear should inhibit your prayers.

We will understand that we can come to Him and ask for forgiveness. echoes this idea: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (emphasis added).

God wants you to be assured of forgiveness and to move forward in His purposes with confidence. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your love and forgiveness. Help me never to be afraid to approach You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Thought: Fear is faith in what could go wrong rather than faith in what could go right. Reading: 1 Chronicles 4–6; John 6:1–21; Romans 5:8; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 1:9