Love On: A Study Through 1 JohnSample

By Lyli Dunbar

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”—1 John 4:18 (NKJV)

One of the most iconic photographs in American history is a candid shot of John F Kennedy, Jr. as a toddler. He is playing peek-a-boo through the secret door of the Resolute Desk in the oval office. His father, arguably the most powerful man in the world, is reviewing papers as his son plays at his feet. The image captivated a grieving nation in 1963, and still to this day it speaks volumes. Senators and diplomats need an invitation to enter the inner sanctum, but a loved one always receives intimate access.

As a child of the King, you are privileged to approach your Father. His love for you knows no bounds. In fact, He took on flesh and came to Earth to sacrificially demonstrate His love for you by dying on the cross to redeem you. The Almighty has rescued you from the clutches of the enemy and brought you out of the darkness and into the light.  

God’s love for His children leaves no room for fear. When we fully understand the power of God’s embrace, doubt and worry cannot fill our hearts and minds for long. We don’t look back with regret because God’s grace has covered our sin. We live at peace because the Spirit of the resurrected Christ dwells in us, and we are looking forward to the hope of heaven tomorrow.  

Want to stop fear from controlling your life? By placing your faith in Christ and asking Him for forgiveness of sins, you can find freedom from fear’s clutches today. God does not want you to live bound by fear. When we turn from our sin and cry out to our Father, He always receives us with open arms.  

Fear is a tool the enemy of our souls can use to paralyze us. If fear has come knocking at the door of your heart a little too often lately, you can send the dark foe packing by falling at the feet of your Savior and remembering you are loved beyond measure. Not even death can separate you from His love today. You are not perfect, but you are perfectly loved by a Savior who is not finished with you yet. 

DIG: Read Romans 8:15 and 2 Timothy 1:7. What does Paul tell us about the spirit of fear?  

DISCOVER: Read Luke 1:74-75. What is your purpose now that Christ has delivered you from sin and death?  

DO: Think about one person in your circle of influence who is bound by fear. Pray for his or her deliverance and ask God for an opportunity to share Christ’s love with him or her.