Roots of Fear (3)

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:18).

Yesterday we explored how fear can open a door, for the enemy to operate in the lives of people. Today we will look at the antidotes of fear, which is the perfect love of God and the truth of his word. John stated clearly that there is no fear in love and when we are perfected in love, it drives our fear. We fear when we do not fully understand the love of God and his love has not been perfected in us. Fear stems from the idea that God wants to punish us. Some major anxieties stem from the fear that may be God will not answer our prayers. The devil will whisper to someone who is depressed and say that God has forgotten them or does not love them. The spirit and the voice of condemnation comes from the devil and not from God.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). The understanding that God does not condemn us brings us freedom. “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). What Paul is saying is that a relationship with Christ and our understanding of who we are in him, sets us free from the fear of death. We have to know and understand the truth of the word in order to be set free from fear.

“and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). No one who spends enough time reading and understanding the truth of God’s word can be continuously bound by fear. When we read the word, understand the word and allow the truth of the word to sink into our hearts, then it will be hard for the devil to keep us bound by fear. “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130). It is the darkness of misunderstanding that keeps people in fear. We cannot allow the devil to keep us in the darkness of fear.

Let us study the word to understand the love of Jesus Christ. If God did not spare his only son, but sent him into the world to die for us, this shows his everlasting love for us. No mistakes that we have made can keep us from the love of God. We don’t have to earn the love of God and if we understand just how much the father loves us, then we know that we have absolutely nothing to fear. “and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans‬ ‭5:5‬).

A.P.-Y.

18 thoughts on “Roots of Fear (3)

  1. Well said! Indeed, “We have to know and understand the truth of the word in order to be set free from fear.” Absolutely! Being grounded in God’s word, empowers the heart and mind, and sets the soul free to be… an overcomer!

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  2. Hey Anneta, this is great share! When I read your opening text, what came to my mind is the truth of the assurance of the Holy Spirit. There is a confidence that he gives that settles all our fears and doubts.
    The reason there is no fear in perfect love, is because of the Spirit of Adoption (Romans 8:14-16), where His Spirit confirms to our spirit that we are the children of God. I believe it is the contrast of those who are the children of the world, who have no confirmation within themselves.
    As well, there are those who wrestle with their past, who grieve, and it’s a good thing, it drives us to seek for that confirmation.
    I love this verse…

    “…And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God…” 1 John 3:19-21

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