“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.”

For the Christian believer, all punishment has passed, for the price of their sin has been paid and they are free from the condemnation of it. They are set free to live by the Spirit of God and not in slavery to the flesh.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

Romans 8:1

There are times when we can be overcome with fear. Maybe we are not so close to the Lord or maybe we feel some guilt for sin that is getting the better of us. Maybe we have trauma from the past which comes back when we are feeling a bit down or maybe we feel frightened at the prospect of death or the Lord’s return. We can comfort ourselves in the scriptures which have many precious promises. God will never leave His people and He promises us forgiveness when we humble ourselves and come to Him.

If we really enter into the love of Christ and have a firm hold on Him as our Saviour and Lord, we will have the victory over our fears and our faith will grow. God uses the troubles of life to strengthen us and to release our grip on the comforts of this world to seek Him only. As we lay hold on His love and experience it through our difficulties, so our love becomes more firm and sure. The fear dissipates because we increasingly realise that the punishment is gone. Even the deepest of valleys are meant for our good.

“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28

We can rest on these promises of God with all our mind and enter into the peace of His love for us. To walk with Christ in the path of His love is life and peace. Anything else is fearful for the Christian and folly for the unbeliever. To not have God’s love means a person is really on their own and they will never experience the rest that comes through faith in the loving God, who’s whole being is love.

This is not a sentimental human love, which is fickle and transitory, but a love that upholds righteousness and justice. The love of God will always prevail, for He remains on the throne over everything and is working out His purposes for His people. To know the safety of that love really is life, spiritual life, and peace, peace with God. As we are steadfast in love so our fear fades away and we enjoy the company of our Lord as we daily walk with Him.