No Fear in Love

It's amazing how strong the theme of love cuts through the entire letter of 1 John. It perhaps should not seem so strange when we consider that the author was known as the "beloved disciple." He was part of the inner circle and must have had a special place in Jesus' heart. When Jesus was on the cross, he committed his mother to John's care.

What aspect of love do we find in 1 John 4:7-21, the text for this Sunday? It's all about having a fearless love. John wrote: "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear..."

Our love can be held back because we live with fear. We might resist helping someone in need because we fear the stranger. We might fear the response we will get if we do extend the hand of fellowship.

John reminds us that God is love. I have not found any place in the Bible where it says that 'God is hate.' Rather, it is comforting to know that at the core of God's being is love. It is God's love that sent his Son to die for our sins.

Jesus exemplified the love of God by what he did in caring for people. He was fearless in trying to reach the outcasts and those who were despised in his day. He did not hold back in showing God's love to others.

As we are fearless in loving others in a genuine way, God lives in us. With God's help we can display an extraordinary love that reaches deep into the lives of others.

Is God's fearless love entrenched in your life? Have you ever had a time when you were paralyzed by fear that kept you from loving another person?