No Fear in Love

There is no fear in love; 
but perfect love casteth out fear: 
because fear hath torment. 
He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

-1 John 4:18

Have you EVER had fear?
If you're like 100% of people that I know of, you probably have.

Why do you think that is?

I've been meditating on that passage every day for about a week now, and have been amazed by how many daily decisions are affected by fear. 

It influences many big decisions that we have, as well as the subconscious decisions that we don't even think abou.

Just taking that first phrase: "There is no fear in love..."

You can find amazing things just from 2 words Fear and Love.

What is fear?

What is love?

Fear is φόβος which is called "phobos" in English.

Definition is: "panic flight, fear, the causing of fear, terror"

Love is ἀγάπῃ which is called "agape" in English. Sound familiar?

Definition is: "love, goodwill"

In your mind, what do you think some synonyms are for the word "fear"?
I think of words like: doubt, unbelief, timidity, distrust, stress, anxiety.

What are some of the effects of fear?

Fear is what stops you from leading a new activity. Your fear tells you: "You don't need to do that. Someone else can do that. You're not any good at that." Fear stops you from witnessing to a person. "What will they think of you? Someone else will talk to him. Just talk about other things." Fear is what keeps you from speaking up for an unjustly treated person. 
Fear shuts your mouth from defending the truth.
Fear keeps you from starting a new endeavor.
Fear holds you down when you want to stand up and give a testimony in church.
Fear causes you to laugh at idle words, and crude jokes.

Most people are more motivated by fear of loss, 

Than the possibility of gain. 

Are you?
Are you more motivated by the fear of disapproval from this world,
than the possibility of gaining the approval of the Creator, Savior, and Lord of the Universe?





I got an amazing thing to share with you...

there's no reason, ever, to have to be afraid of any of those things! 
 
You NEVER need to fear him who can kill your body,
Because our God has the power to do that and destroy the soul!
He's the one to fear! :)

What a comfort to know, that there is no fear in love, and that perfect love casteth out fear.
And that THROUGH Christ, we can overcome EVERY one of those fears, and EVERY other one.
So whenever we have fear, we can always remember THIS passage, which is an INCREDIBLE promise of God:

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: 

be not dismayed; for I am thy God: 

I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; 

yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Isaiah 41:10

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
What are you thankful for?

I thank God for saving me from death and hell, and giving me life and heaven,

for His Word - and the incredibly powerful and encouraging promises available, 

and for His people.

I thank Him for my family, 

for yummy Red tea, 

for heating in a cold season,

for being around godly Christian leaders who are willing to give counsel and instruction,

and last but not least,

I'm thankful for everybody,

And I'm thankful for everything.

God is so good. Amen?

God bless you all this week,

Have a blessed thanksgiving, and make sure to share about the BEST thing that ever happened to you when you were saved from the "Train of Death"

There is NO fear in Love.

Your brother in Christ,

Landon