“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives our fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
It’s not what drives out fear but who. Jesus, the only perfect being, is that perfect love. Yes, fear is punishment or as KJV puts it, torment. It torments the mind, the spirit, the emotions and the body. Jesus loves me —- there is no fear. I love Jesus —- there is no fear. Fear can’t live in me when Jesus does. When fear moves in —- where does Jesus go?
Here’s the picture I see. Jesus says He will never leave me. Ever have someone so determined to see you that they park themselves outside your door, ringing the doorbell and knocking on the door? Probably not that often. But that is how I see Jesus in this. He won’t give up even if we get frustrated at his persistence. Even if that anger stems from fear. Even if that fear keeps that door locked tight. Because his love will eventually overcome that fear. It has to because he has, he is, the perfect love. Imagine being loved like that. Wouldn’t you finally open the door?
