As we struggle with the paradox of fearing God and loving God, there’s another thought on the subject.
John writes that “perfect love drives out fear.”
Perfect love never fails. Perfect love is love that’s without fault, consistent and always present. God embodies perfect love.
Paul gives us a list of what love is and isn’t. Love is:
- patient
- kind
- not envious
- not boastful
- not proud
- not rude
- not self-seeking
- not easily angered
- forgetting the mistakes of others
- not delighting in evil
- rejoicing over truth
- offering protection
- trusting
- hopeful
- persevering
- never failing
This is love, perfect love, and it drives away fear.
[1 John 4:18 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-8]
A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.