NEVER FAILS

1 John 4:18 (ESV): "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."

In today's world, fear is both subtle and rampant. We see it in the news, ads, casual conversations, and in some places you can feel it in the atmosphere. The world has a myriad of safety solutions to combat fear and offer a quasi-safety. But, true freedom from fear is only found in the perfect love of Jesus.

C.S. Lewis, in his Chronicles of Narnia, encapsulates this truth through the character of Aslan. When asked if Aslan was safe, Mr. Beaver replied, "Safe? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn't safe, but he’s good; he’s the king." Again, the solution to fear cannot be found in safety. 

I heard from a friend recently who lives in one of the warzone hotspots in the world. They reported that, “We are safe.” I know their assessment of “safe” was not based upon the absence of danger, but only on their trust in Jesus and that they are on a heavenly assignment. There is no safer place on earth than in the will of God covered by the perfect love of God.

The Power of Jesus’ Perfect Love

Only the love of Jesus is perfect and unfailing. It is a love that goes beyond our understanding and meets us in our deepest fears. Romans 5:8 reminds us that God's love was demonstrated in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. This sacrificial love is the foundation upon which we can stand, knowing that in His perfect love, all fear is cast out. 

God’s perfect love is not always about providing safety in the way the world defines it. It is about offering a deep, abiding peace and assurance that we are covered by the favor of Jesus in every situation. He has given His angels charge over us. If God is for us, who can be against us. (Ps. 91:11. Romans 8:31) Fear is driven away as we immerse ourselves in His perfect, unfailing love for us.

 Points to Consider

1. Perfect Love Casts Out Fear: The perfect love of Jesus has the power to cast out all fear. Fear is related to punishment, but in Christ, we find no condemnation, only love (1 John 4:18).

2. God's Demonstration of Love: While we were still sinners, Christ’s death on the cross demonstrated God’s immense love for us (Romans 5:8).

3. Living in His Love: We are called to live courageously in the perfect love of Jesus, trusting that His love will carry us through any fear or uncertainty (1 John 4:19).

4. Unexplored Depths: The love of Jesus is a vast, unexplored ocean. We are invited to plunge into its depths, experiencing a love that surpasses all understanding.

Declaration

I am embraced by the perfect love of Jesus, which casts out all fear. I declare that I will walk in the confidence and peace of His love, allowing it to drive away every fear and uncertainty in my life.

 Scripture References

• 1 John 4:18 (ESV): "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."

• Romans 5:8 (ESV): "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

• 1 John 4:19 (ESV): "We love because he first loved us."

• 1 John 4:18 (TPT): "Love never brings fear, for fear is always related to punishment. But love’s perfection drives the fear of punishment far from our hearts. Whoever walks constantly afraid of punishment has not reached love’s perfection."

 Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the superiority of the perfect love of Jesus that casts out all fear. Help me to hide myself in Your love, trusting that it is more than enough to overcome every fear and uncertainty. May I live courageously, knowing that I abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Let Your perfect love spill out and overflow to those around me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.