Moe Bergeron

Fear often grips our hearts when we forget who God is and what He has done for us. But John reminds us that God’s love, made perfect in Christ, drives out fear and gives us confidence in His presence.

Scripture
“And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first.” — 1 John 4:17–19 (NLT)

Reflection
The world’s kind of love is fragile, often mixed with fear of loss or rejection. But God’s love is different—it is steady, perfect, and rooted in Christ’s finished work. This love gives believers confidence, not dread, when they think of standing before God.

Fear of punishment belongs to those who are outside of Christ. But for God’s children, judgment has already been dealt with at the cross. Jesus bore the penalty, so we can live in freedom, not fear. As we abide in God, our love matures and reflects His nature more and more.

This freedom from fear doesn’t make us careless—it fuels deeper love. When we know how completely God loves us, we are freed to love others without hesitation. His perfect love flows through us, replacing fear with boldness and self-giving compassion.

Application
Ask yourself: Am I living out of fear or out of love? Bring your fears before God and let His perfect love remind you of your secure standing in Christ. Then, take a step of love toward someone today—not out of obligation, but as an overflow of the love you’ve received.

References
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1 (NLT)

Prayer
Father, thank You that Your perfect love drives out my fear. Help me to rest in the confidence that Christ has already borne my punishment. Teach me to live each day not in fear, but in love—loving others freely because You have loved me first. Amen.