Why Fear?

There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love. - 1 John 4:18

How does "perfect love drive out fear?"

God's love for me (in Christ Jesus) is a "covenant" love, irrevocable and unchangeable. Indeed, nothing can ever separate me from it. So ...

Why fear failure? God loves me.

Why fear sickness? God loves me.

Why fear trial? God loves me.

Why fear people? God loves me.

Why fear the unknown? God loves me.

Why fear death? God loves me.

You see, perfect love, the kind of love that God has for us, drives out fear.

Yet, in one instance (just one) fear is an absolute necessity. Solomon wrote that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and this type of fear (a proper fear of God) will lead someone to seek a Savior who loves them perfectly.

In other words, once you fear God, you need never fear again.

I would rather walk with God in the dark than go alone in the light. - Mary Gardiner Brainard