“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear has torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).
People fear folks that are different than they are – it’s just that plain and simple. They fear those people who look different, are of a different color, or may believe a different doctrine even though they are Christians.
But do you know that fear cannot remain where there is strong love? Perfect love cast out fear. The word “perfect” here means developed love. When we learn to operate in God’s love toward one another, then fear is driven away from among us.
Now, fear has torment and it opens the door for Satan to work against you. However, faith in the love of God opens the door for God to work for you through His love.
First John 4:19 says, “We love him because he first loved us.” Aren’t you so glad He first loved you? The lyrics of an old song say it this way, “Love lifted me. Love lifted me. When nothing else could help, love lifted me.”
Oh, there is something about the love of God. Think about it. He loved you when you were going the other way. He loved you when you took His precious name in vain. He loved you when you didn’t care anything about Him. Yet, God still loved you and He kept reaching out to you. That’s why we can truly say we love Him because He first loved us.
Now, take a look at 1 John 4:20 for a minute, because there are too many Christians talking about how they love God with all their hearts; yet, they can’t stand to be around black, white, yellow, or red folks. Oh sure, they want to tell God how much they praise, worship, and adore Him, but they can’t stand those Pentecostal, Baptist, or Apostolic folks. Well, God is saying, NO, you don’t love Me – because they are Me!
Listen, anyone who loves God also has to love His children. You can’t separate God from His children. You can’t do it. We all belong to the body of Christ. God is saying, you can say you love Him all you want, but if you treat any other part of the church badly, then you treat Him badly and it won’t work. God’s not going to cooperate with anybody who hates somebody else.
That’s why the Bible tells us love never fails, love casts out fear, and helps us to walk in love toward one another.
Scripture References: 1 John 4:15-21
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Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).
