Fearless Love

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection]. I John 4:18 (Amplified Bible Classic Edition, AMPC)

God is love, and His love is perfect. What is perfect love? Perfect love is love that contains no fear, dread or worry. It is expressed with absolutely no fear that it will be rejected. It is given without worry of being taken advantage of. Perfect love is bestowed without reservation or hesitation. Perfect love comes from the perfect Source. God is pure, holy, and full of faith, therefore His love is free from the contamination of fear. God doesn’t hesitate or draw back in loving us out of concern that we might do something to hurt Him. To be honest, it is likely we, in our humanity, will do something to hurt Him- whether intentionally or unintentionally. Therefore, if God waited until it was “safe” to love us, He would have never loved us at all. And if that was the case, Jesus would have never come to die in our place.

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 (New Living Translation, NLT)

Although God knew how imperfect we are, and that a good number of people would reject Him and His love, He fully gave Himself to us. What does this mean for us? Well, when we are born again, that same love is placed in our hearts so we can give it out to others. As we spend time in God’s Word and in His presence, that love grows and develops within us. And as we express that love to others, we are sowing love, therefore we reap more love. The key is in being bold and fearless in loving people. We cannot worry that people will reject the love we offer. Yes, some will reject it, but others will embrace it with a hunger and passion. Because some will receive it, giving love away is totally worth it. You see, perfect love is vulnerable. It is expressed out of compassion for others and not held back out of self-preservation.

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! Matthew 10:8 (New Living Translation, NLT)

Don’t hold back in fear. Just as God gave His love to us, it is His will that we give it freely to others.