“There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love].”
1 John 4:18 AMP
Love seems to be the theme these last couple of days. This verse has been a favorite of mine for the last 20 years. I clung to it in the darkest of nights when fear consumed my thoughts. I have prayed this verse over and over, barely above a whisper, when terror threatened to overwhelm me. “Perfect Your love in me Father – do Your work in me- and cast out fear.”
While I have come to understand that this verse is primarily about fearing the wrath or punishment of G-d, there’s a principle here that applies to all relationships. When love, or agape (affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love), is mature in a relationship, fear does not exist. We don’t fear the other person becoming angry. We don’t fear deception or betrayal.
I think about my husband’s grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Purtell. They didn’t arrive at mature love over night. There were many arguments and much pain in the early days, yet after they accepted Jesus as their Savior and were transformed by Him, their love for Him and for one another matured. And in the latter years of their life, the years I was able to enjoy on drives to family reunions and trips to Cow Creek, their love was perfected. It was complete and mature. There was no fear. There was only good will and benevolence for one another and it was beautiful.
I’m reminded that marriage is intended to a picture to the world of how He loves the world, full of good will and affection, freely offering benevolence and brotherly love – not because someone deserves it, but just because. Love like that takes time and intention. It takes forgiveness, grace, and good will. And, without Him in the middle of it, it’s practically impossible because the more He matures me in and through His love, the more freely I can love others. More of Him. Less of me. Always.
Father – thank You for Your grace. Thank You for the heritage You’ve given our family. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: 1 John 1-5
December 26, 2022