In love there is no fear: perfect love casts out fear; for fear contains punishment, and whoever fears is not perfect in love (1 John 4:18)
A sage once wrote, "When love is present, fear disappears." I know many Christians who are tormented by feelings of doubt, worthlessness, and sin. They think they have to do something to be more loved by God. However, John wrote, "for as He [Jesus], we are also in this world" (1 John 4:17). That is, if Jesus believed in the love of the Father, we should have the same belief as Jesus that the Father loves us with perfect love.
Jesus completed the work of redemption for us on the cross, so all the punishment for our sins has passed and taken away forever. Now we are no longer under punishment.
This love casts out fear. As John wrote, "There is no fear in love: perfect love casts out fear" (verse 18). The "fear" John meant was the fear of judgment. But we need not fear anymore, for "now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). God's "perfect love" has cast out fear.
All our sins have been forgiven. We are held tightly by the love of God and determined to enjoy eternal fellowship with Him. Not because of the effort we put in, but because of everything He has done for us. “This is love: It is not we who have loved God, but God who loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). That is perfect love! --David Roper
WE ARE NOT AFRAID OF GOD'S JUDGMENT
WHEN WE KNOW HIS FORGIVING LOVE
WHEN WE KNOW HIS FORGIVING LOVE
*) Take from Daily Meditation