18 Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear. It is punishment that makes a person fear, so love is not made perfect in the person who fears. 19 We love because God first loved us.
Dear Ones: Perfect love drives out fear! His love is the perfect love because He first loved us when we were still separated from Him through sin. We cannot do works to earn this Love. It is freely given because He is Love. The concept of having to earn our salvation is erroneous. Why is it an error to think that way? Paul said it this way in Galatians 2:16, “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.” His perfect love freely offers salvation to anyone who will receive His Son as their Savior. Ephesians 2:8 tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”
When the enemy comes to challenge your belief in God’s perfect love for you, use these verses to nullify and mute his voice. You are perfectly loved by the One Who is Love. He knows everything about your past, present, and future and still loves you. Do not pull back in these chaotic times, His love will carry you through whatever you are facing today.
May His perfect love drive out fear from your soul. Rest in the knowledge that He loved you first. Enjoy being His child today. I bless you in Jesus’ name.