“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” 
—1 John 4:18, NASB

Reflection 

There are many steps and principles involved in finding freedom from fear, but it is important to understand that freedom is available to us now, not sometime in the future. Jesus said, “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” It is through Messiah Jesus that freedom from fear is made available to us. Again, Jesus reminds us, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” 

We need to take a moment to seriously think about how many of the things that we have feared have actually happened to us. How many times have we feared a sickness and never got sick? How many times have we feared a car accident only to arrive at our destination safely? How many times have we experienced nightmares only to wake up and know that it was just a dream? 

These questions point out that fears are satanic lies. Every human being battles with fear because the enemy is constantly trying to make us afraid. He does this by casting pictures of dread into our minds regarding circumstances and relationships. He knows that when we are afraid, we can no longer walk in the love of God. 

Love and fear are at odds with each other. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. Many think that the opposite of love is hate, but the Bible paints another picture as well. Oftentimes, people hate because they are afraid. The opposite of love is fear. 

We simply cannot be afraid and still walk in love at the same time. They are incompatible and contrary to one another. Therefore, if we want to walk in love and experience God’s presence in a greater way, we must conquer fear, for God is love. 

Fear is Satan’s roadblock that prevents us from entering into our destiny as children of God. It torments us and reveals that we have not been perfected in God’s love. It is not just that we have to cast it out, but rather God’s love displaces it. This happens only as we enter into a deeper understanding of how loved and safe we are in God. 

The more we know how perfect God’s love is for us, actively providing and protecting us, the more secure and safe we will feel. Fear will be displaced, and we will be healed, rooted and grounded in divine love. God loves us, and He does not want us to have to endure fear at all. He has provided a way of escape for us through His death and resurrection. It was for freedom that Christ set us free. 

Application 

• Take one fear before the Father today and ask Him to replace the picture of dread with a deeper understanding of how loved and safe you are in Him.  

• When fear rises, remember that love and fear are incompatible, and choose to stand firm in the freedom Messiah Jesus has made available to you.  

Prayer 

God, I come to You today in the name of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. I ask that You would empower me to overcome fear. Remove the feelings of fear, shame, and condemnation from my life through the cross of Christ. Help me to trust in Your love with all my heart, soul, and mind. Let Your perfect love displace fear, and root and ground me in divine love. I love You, Father, and I love You, Yeshua, and I am thankful for all You have done for me. Amen.