Dwell – Day 19

1 John 4:18a

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”

We live in a fallen world where we are bombarded with fear in a variety of ways on a daily basis. Fear can keep us from experiencing the fullness of God’s love, and from doing His work. 1 John 4:18a can help us break free of those fears, and live the victorious life God intends for us. I invite you to look closer at this verse.

Perfect – absolute, complete

Love – an intense feeling of deep affection

Casts Out – to get rid of something, especially forcefully

Fear – an unpleasant emotion caused by danger or threat

How can we experience more of God’s perfect love, and less human fear?

1 – Acknowledge your fears to God

1 Peter 5:7

“Casting all of your anxieties  on Him, because He cares for you.”

2 – Correct your thinking.

Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just,  whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

3 – Reflect on God’s love for you.

Zephaniah 3-17

“The Lord your God is  in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with  gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing. Because of Jesus, I am able to walk in love, and not in fear.

Guided Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your perfect love. Love that redeems me and calls me out of my sinfulness. Help me to acknowledge my fears to you; and strive to hide your Word in my heart, put on the whole armor of God, and run the race set before me. In Jesus’s name I pray…Amen