1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
Fear is a very real, raw emotion. Sometimes you're startled or anxiety-ridden. It poisons you from the inside out. It's a sneaky, slithering snake waiting in the shadows to bite at your ankle. It has no courage or backbone, and it seeks to destroy you. It's a tranquilizer shot in the dark that you didn't know hit you until you feel it in full force. However it affects you, it's not static.
But what is love?
There are many ways to describe love. Hallmark cards for years have tried to sum up the perfect poem or letter to reveal what love is. Love is sometimes a feeling, and other times it's a choice. Personally, my favorite definition sees Love as a Person.
1 John 4:8 "Anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love."
The very nature God is love. His core character is unshakably rooted in love and this is a marvelous thing. Not only do we have the Bible to tell us the definition of love, and Jesus to show us practical examples of what love looks like, but we are fully able and invited to have a relationship with God who is the true definition of love.
1 John 4:18 casts vision for a fierce encounter. It doesn't say that perfect love passively jokes about how nice it would be for fear to leave the party. Perfect love chases it away because it is impossible for fear and love to coexist. You can have one or the other.
Whatever your definition, Love is not static.
Love is not merely a band-aid to bide time.
Love is constantly in relentless pursuit to eradicate fear.
God is constant in relentless pursuit to free you
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