Love and Fear

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 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. 1 John 4:16-18

Ultimately, John says love is what keeps us from fear. When we love God (shown by confessing Christ and obeying him) and love your neighbors, these are the signs that we abide in God and they give us confidence in our salvation.
Do you still fear because your love doesn’t seem perfect? John has a reminder for you: “We love because He first loved us.”
God’s love for you is perfect, and He is the one who gives the gifts of grace and forgiveness that make up all you lack.

Questions for reflection and discussion
1. How are you bad at loving?
2. Have you seen God at work in your life to make you more loving?

Prayer
Dear God, help me respond to Your love for me by showing love to You and to others. Thank You for making me able to love. In Jesus’ name, amen.