How Does Perfect Love Cast Out Fear?

This article is by Kenneth Copeland Ministries

 

Perfect love.

Sounds impossible, doesn’t it?

But let’s take a look at what the word perfect means in the verses we’re unpacking today. The New King James Version of 1 John 4:16-18 says…

“And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

In this scripture, the Greek word for perfect is also translated as to come to full maturity. 

So what this scripture is saying is that when we bring love to full maturity, we won’t have to deal with fear ever again.

Wow! That’s a BIG promise. But, then again, that’s what God is known for.

So how does perfect (fully mature) love cast out fear?

Let’s find out.

Believing God’s Love Casts Out Fear

You are loved.

So much. And unconditionally—by God.

Do you know that? Really know it?

Most of us have sung the lyrics “Jesus loves me this I know,” but sadly, most Christians only mentally assent to the idea without having a profound revelation of God’s love for them. If they did, it would totally change everything.

How do you know when you believe God’s love for you?

You won’t fear anything anymore.

Not the loss of a job, how people will respond to you, how you’ll pay the bills, whether your family will be healthy or safe.

Is this possible? Yes!

God has not given you the spirit of fear. That means He doesn’t want you to have fear—ever. And if that’s His will for you, it is also possible.

So what stops people from believing?

• Hurts and wounds from the past that haven’t fully healed
• Guilt and shame about the past
• Insecurities
• Low self-esteem
• A lack of knowledge of the Word of God.

God’s love is unconditional. His mercy covers everything on the above list. All you have to do now is believe and receive His love.

What a shame it is that people suffer at the hands of fear because they don’t believe the love God has for them. Don’t let that happen to you. Learn to believe the love.

Think about it. God is in love with you—so in love, He’s given you everything He has! He’s given you all the healing, all the wisdom, all the wealth, all the strength you could ever need.

Believe the love God has for you. It’s already been released in the blood of Jesus.

Believe the love. It’s already been released in Jesus’ Name.

Believe the love. It’s already been released in His Word.

Meditate on scriptures about His love for you over and over. Say to yourself, again and again, all day, “I believe the love Jesus has for me.” Once it gets down into your heart, you’ll never fear again.