1 John 4:18-19
“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. 19 We love because He first loved us.”
TL;DR:
Fear paralyzes, but perfect love sets us free. When we live rooted in God’s love, we can boldly stand for truth, speak with grace, and act with courage. His perfect love casts out fear—so we don’t have to stay silent or stuck.
Fear is paralyzing. Sometimes, I get so afraid of offending someone that I don’t say or do anything at all. I freeze. I silence myself. I let moments pass because I don’t want to rock the boat. But then I remember:
Perfect love casts out fear.
That verse challenges and comforts me all at once.
I’ve often wondered how my German ancestors could have participated—or even just remained silent—during the Holocaust. I can’t imagine being part of such a horrific time, or ignoring the evil of the Nazi regime. But then I think about fear. Fear kept people from acting. Fear stopped them from standing up. Fear made them sing louder to drown out the cries of those being led to their deaths.
And I see that same fear in myself sometimes.
I’ve been conditioned to avoid confrontation, to people-please, to stay agreeable. But when I do that in the face of wrong, it rots my soul. It grieves my spirit.
Perfect love casts out fear.
When I stand on God’s Word and speak with love—not judgment—I find the courage to confront hard things. God’s Word is perfect love, and when I trust it fully, I don’t have to shrink back.
Can you imagine how different history might have been if people had stood on God’s truth instead of bowing to fear? If they had boldly quoted scripture and chosen righteousness over comfort?
So I ask you today: Is there something you’re cowardly avoiding? A truth you need to speak? A wrong you need to confront?
You don’t have to be afraid.
You are loved perfectly by God—and His love gives you the courage you need.
Be bold. Be loving. Be courageous. His perfect love is in you. 🙏❤️😇
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