“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
Beloved, God is love. Let’s relate today’s scripture to this verse of the Bible: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and love, and a sound mind,” 2 Timothy 1:7. From this verse, we know that fear is not from God, and it is not among the fruit of the Spirit.
Whenever we are fearful as children of God, it’s evident that we have not surrendered our all to God. Our love for God and men conquers fear because love is the greatest commandment and gift stated in the scriptures. We have been given the commandment to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Jesus commanded us to love our neighbours as ourselves. Hence, obedience to these commandments gives us victory over the spirit of fear.
We love God by being obedient to His words and seeking His presence through prayers. We love our neighbours by being good to them always just like the good Samaritan, irrespective of our differences. When next you think about what the opposite of love is, know that it is fear. May God help us to show love in obedience to His command in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Further study: 1 Corinthians 13
Thought for the day: We have not received the spirit of bondage to fear, but of love to sound mind.
