1 John 4:18 – Verse of the Day 6/1/14

What would you say is the opposite of fear? For most of us, when we think of the opposite of fear, the most common response is probably something like “bravery” or “courage.” In this verse, however, John makes a contrast between fear and love. Why do you think he does this?

If you were to read the rest of the chapter, you would notice that this verse lies in the middle of a much larger discussion. This larger discussion is about the way in which love transforms our lives and understandings of the world in which we live. For John, if we truly understand the power of God’s love for those who have faith in Christ, it should change us. One of the many things we realize is that if our sins have been forgiven eternally we truly have nothing to fear. Even death itself cannot harm us eternally.

Spend some time in prayer thinking about the fact that your relationship with God is based on God’s love and forgiveness. When you think about your sin, do you still fear God’s punishment? Do you genuinely believe that God’s love means the forgiveness of sin for all who trust in Him? Spend some time thanking God for the wonderful gift of this forgiveness, and your relationship with Him. Ask Him to relieve your fears as you understand His love more deeply.