Perfect love.
Sounds impossible, doesn’t it?
But let’s take a look at what the word perfect means in the verses we’re unpacking today. The New King James Version of 1 John 4:16-18 says…
“And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”
In this scripture, the Greek word for perfect is also translated as to come to full maturity.
So what this scripture is saying is that when we bring love to full maturity, we won’t have to deal with fear ever again.
Wow! That’s a BIG promise. But, then again, that’s what God is known for.
So how does perfect (fully mature) love cast out fear?
Let’s find out.
Believing God’s Love Casts Out Fear
You are loved.
So much. And unconditionally—by God.
Do you know that? Really know it?
Most of us have sung the lyrics “Jesus loves me this I know,” but sadly, most Christians only mentally assent to the idea without having a profound revelation of God’s love for them. If they did, it would totally change everything.
How do you know when you believe God’s love for you?
You won’t fear anything anymore.
Not the loss of a job, how people will respond to you, how you’ll pay the bills, whether your family will be healthy or safe. (Learn how love keeps you safe HERE.)
Is this possible? Yes!
God has not given you the spirit of fear. That means He doesn’t want you to have fear—ever. And if that’s His will for you, it is also possible.
So what stops people from believing?
- Hurts and wounds from the past that haven’t fully healed
- Guilt and shame about the past
- Insecurities
- Low self-esteem
- A lack of knowledge of the Word of God.
God’s love is unconditional. His mercy covers everything on the above list. All you have to do now is believe and receive His love.
What a shame it is that people suffer at the hands of fear because they don’t believe the love God has for them. Don’t let that happen to you. Learn to believe the love.
Think about it. God is in love with you—so in love, He’s given you everything He has! He’s given you all the healing, all the wisdom, all the wealth, all the strength you could ever need.
Believe the love God has for you. It’s already been released in the blood of Jesus.
Believe the love. It’s already been released in Jesus’ Name.
Believe the love. It’s already been released in His Word.
Meditate on scriptures about His love for you over and over. Say to yourself, again and again, all day, “I believe the love Jesus has for me.” Once it gets down into your heart, you’ll never fear again.
Watch Kenneth Copeland and Bill Winston teach you how perfect love casts out fear.
Practicing God’s Love Casts Out Fear
Believing God’s love is the first step to casting out fear, but we must not forget that practicing God’s love is of equal importance.
How can loving others cast out fear?
When you’re perfectly walking that love line, you’re in obedience to God. And as long as you’re in obedience, the devil can’t touch you. That means he can’t put fear on you.
Even more, the more you grow your love, the more you grow your faith. The Bible says faith works by love, and since faith is the opposite of fear, the more love you have going on in your life, the smaller fear will become!
Love is a decision! The more you practice love, the closer you’ll come to perfect (fully matured) love. Here are some things to remember about practicing God’s love that will cast out fear.
- Love forgives.
- Love refuses to get offended.
- Love values people.
- Love and pride cannot coexist.
- Love is not envious or jealous of others.
- Love is patient and kind.
- Love believes the best in others, rather than assuming the worst.
- Love shuts the door on strife.
Practicing the love of God will grow your faith and diminish your fear until it disappears.
Kenneth Copeland says, “When you major in the love of God and you give Him space and opportunity, He will manifest.”
Love is the most important key to growing up in God. In fact, if we don’t grow up in love…we won’t grow up at all. Growing up in God keeps you out of fear because God takes up every space in your spirit, soul and body.
If you haven’t given love much attention lately, it’s time to shift your focus! Getting a revelation of God’s love down in your spirit and then working to practice loving others is a major game changer. Imagine never fearing anything ever again. Imagine living in peace, joy and the prosperity that comes from an obedient, love-filled life. It’s yours for the taking. LOVE.
Watch Kenneth and Gloria Copeland teach you how walking in love always reaps a reward.
Related Articles:
How to Imitate the Love of Others
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