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Love Versus Fear

Andrea Lende • December 29, 2021

I John 4:18

Love Versus Fear

 

I John 4:18

 

“There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s compete perfection].”

 

 

Love versus fear.

 

Love wins every time.

 

Our passage is such a good reminder to help determine when we allow fear to flood our souls.

 

Where there is love, fear is absent.

 

When we operate in love, we walk out God’s will for us.

 

When we are inside His flow, He continually blesses us with more courage, strength, and wisdom.

 

However, when fear overcomes our spirits, love is absent.

 

Fear is all-consuming.

 

When it floods my soul, I am stopped.

 

Anxiety nearly immobilizes me, and I find I’m unable to accomplish the smallest tasks.

 

The emotion of fear is like a barometer indicating I need help.

 

So, when we become aware that fear is rising up inside us, we can stop and check in with God.

 

First, we can ask Him to show us what we are afraid of.

 

Then we can ask Him to replace the fear with His love.

 

As we get quiet and sit in His presence, we allow Him to restore our spirits with love.

 

God is faithful.

 

He will restore love and peace in our souls when we take the time to align our hearts with His.

 

Our passage also states where there is fear there is a sense of punishment.

 

Jesus sent His Son to die for us, so our sins are forgiven without punishment.

 

This is grace.

 

Grace covers us, so punishment is null and void.

 

I am thankful the Lord takes away the repercussions of my sins, and gently compasses me about in His love instead.

 

Today I pray the Lord fills me with His Holy Spirit and shows me how to walk out this life in love.

 

May you find the Lord fills your spirit with love as you watch fear fade out of existence.

 

 

Daily Prayer:

 

O Lord, my God, thank You for restoring my heart to peace. Thank You for filling my spirit with love and light. Thank You for showing me that fear and love cannot coexist with one another. I choose love. I choose You, Lord, above the enemy’s lies and torments. May I sit in Your presence for a few precious moments and be made whole by You. Help me wait on You to fill me with Your love and peace. May Your peace wrap around me like a blanket today. May I bring peace and love to all those I encounter throughout this day. Lead and guide my thoughts, my words, and my steps. Strengthen me in every way, Father. Help me bless someone this day. Thank You for hearing my prayer.

 

Answer: I AM the God of peace and love My child and My spirit resides in you.

Response: Please continue to fill my heart with Your love and peace, Lord.



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