The Most Excellent Way
Drives out Fear – Part 1

Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:13-21

Key Verse: 1 John 4:18

 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.

Another reason love is the most excellent way is the power it has over fear.  Fear is a powerful enemy.  Fear keeps us from accomplishing God’s intended purposes for us.  Fear keeps us from resting well at night.  Fear makes us react to those we love in destructive ways.  If we allow fear to dominate our inner lives, we will never enjoy the abundant life Jesus died to provide for us!

We need help with fear; something that is more powerful and overcomes its affects on us!  The Bible tells us that weapon is love!  The first fear that love drives out of our lives is any fear of God’s judgment against us.  John’s words in this chapter are all about God’s favor for us.  We are not to live in dread of death and judgment day!  Physical death is coming and a judgment day is real.  As Hebrews 9:27 reminds us: “…it is appointed to man once to die, but after this the judgment.”  But when we are convinced of the great love our Father has for us and are living connected to this love, we have no need to fear those two appointments: death and judgment!

Love, indeed, is the most excellent way.  I have no fear of judgment.  Tomorrow we need to ask a similar question of ourselves: Do we love others in the same manner?

Father, I am grateful for the great love you have given to me that drives out fear from my life!  I will praise you forever!  In Jesus’ name, amen.