no fear in love

18 There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love. 1 John 4:18 HCSB
https://bible.com/bible/72/1jn.4.18.HCSB

Fear causes us to pull back in relationships on earth. Fear can cause the same with our God, if we allow it. Yet, if we press into God, His perfect love drives out the fear.

If we are raised in a legal, strict church or family, we will have  fear of punishment. Wheras,  those who are raised with praise and love have a different expectation.

I knew the strict, legal environment. It took a while for me to shake it off. I image being raised in the house of a Pharisee could have been the same. The gospel of John reveals a man who knew love and freedom. John's father was a fisherman. The fact that he was able to leave his father with the fishing nets to follow Jesus, along with his brother James, speaks of freedom. 
The gospel of John is vastly different to the other three. John focuses on the deity and personhood of Christ. We can tell he loved Jesus. He actually called himself the disciple whom Jesus loved.

John was the only disciple who was at the foot of the Cross, along with Jesus' mother Mary. Love for Jesus caused John to be bold and faithful. Conversely, Peter, who made all the noise was absent. John knew a love that empowered and enabled him to go where Peter did not go. His love protected him. 

Today, I can be perfected in love as I continue to trust, love and live for Christ. Amen!

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