1st John 4:18-21 PERFECT LOVE It is possible for even a Christian to live in fear. They fear the future as they look ahead to days before them and the unknown, stirs a sense of trepidation as they think of "all the bad things might happen." They fear the coming of the Lord because they might be doing something that would embarrass them when they see Jesus. Some fear the judgment seat of Christ because they don't know what might be revealed and how they would respond to the Savior when we "receive for the things done in the body, whether it be good or bad." Such fear can cripple is and plays on our emotions instead of moving us to a satisfying life of faith.
When such fears arise, we need to remember we have been loved by God with a perfect love. To focus our minds on His love for us, will motivate us to show His love through us to others. Consciousness of His love quiets our fear and gives us confidence in day to day life as well as looking into the future. "Our times are in Thy hands," is not just a quotation from Psalm 31. Fear keeps us from the joy of living and walking in the light with our Lord. 1st John chapter four reminds us of the importance of a "discerning" life. True sonship is put to the test by our attitude toward our Lord Jesus Christ. It is also tested by our love and our response to the exhortation to love. The demonstration of love testifies to the fact that we know God. The motivation of love is that others might be blessed. The function of love is that God works in us and through us so others can see what God is like by observing His people. The obligation of love is actually in its very nature. Love shows itself because that is what love is - a fact and an act.