Perfect love, casts out fear

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love." —1 John 4:18 

A few years ago, I found myself wide awake at 3 a.m., gripped by fear. My thoughts were spinning out of control—what if I haven't prepared and saved enought for retirement, to care for my wife Anne? What if I can’t provide for my family, from my parents, my children, to my grand-children? What if this situation I’m dreading comes true? I felt trapped, as if fear had pulled up a chair and planned to stay awhile.

Maybe you’ve been there, too. Fear has a way of sinking into our hearts and minds, convincing us that the worst-case scenarios are inevitable. It whispers lies, draining us of peace and making us forgetful of God’s promises.

But then one morning, during my quiet time, I stumbled across this verse from 1 John. "Perfect love casts out fear." I reread it over and over, letting the words settle into the crevices of my heart. Slowly, I began to realize something: fear thrives in the absence of love.

When we feel afraid, it’s easy to believe we are on our own. We think we must figure things out by ourselves, that everything depends on us. But perfect love—the kind of love only God can give—shifts the focus. It reminds us that we are held, seen, and cared for by the Creator of the universe.

God’s perfect love isn’t conditional, and it doesn’t waver when we mess up. Romans 8:38-39 reassures us that nothing—neither death, life, angels, powers, present struggles, or future uncertainties—can separate us from His love. This truth becomes a refuge, a safe place to turn when fear comes knocking.

I started to confront my fears in a new way. When I felt worry creeping in, I would pause and pray, asking God to remind me of His love. I’d picture His arms around me, as a father cradles a frightened child, and the tightness in my chest would ease.

Love casts out fear because it shifts the narrative. Fear says, “What if?” Love says, “Even if.” Even if the worst happens, God is still good. He’s still present, still providing, still guiding. Love doesn’t promise an easy path, but it promises we’ll never walk it alone.

Jesus is the ultimate example of perfect love casting out fear. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He faced unimaginable dread. Yet His focus wasn’t on the fear of what was to come, but on fulfilling the Father’s will out of love for us. That love—sacrificial and selfless—made a way for us to live free from fear’s grip.

So, how do we live in God’s perfect love day by day? First, we need to soak in His Word. Scripture is full of reminders of His faithfulness and care. Passages like Isaiah 41:10 (“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.”) become anchors when we feel unsteady.

Second, we can practice surrender. Fear grows when we hold onto control, but peace comes when we release our burdens to God. Prayer is our lifeline here—it’s where we exchange our fear for His peace.

Lastly, we need to surround ourselves with reminders of God’s love. Whether it’s worship music, encouraging friends, or even sticky notes with Bible verses on the mirror, these little nudges help keep His love front and center.

As you go about your day, remember this: fear doesn’t have the final say. God’s love does. And His love isn’t just powerful—it’s personal. It’s for you, right where you are.