1 John 4:18 (Amplified Bible)
There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection].
Recently while watching Joyce Meyer, she made a reference to the words “fear not” appearing in the Bible numerous times. She indicated that part of being a confident woman was to have no fear. So somewhere, somehow, I made a decision – a decision to finally follow-through and start studying God’s Word – by subject topic. Items I want to change in my life. I am not sure that I fear as much as I have anxiety – but then again, anxiety is a symptom of fear.
I went to Bible Gateway – searched on “Fear Not” in the Amplified Bible and sorted by relevance…I ended up with 172 passages…so day by day, I plan to study, think and learn about what God has to say about fear in His Word.
Fear is “False Evidence Appearing Real”.
To say there is no fear in love…does this mean there is full trust, no false evidence, this is the person you can be real with on everything and not have any reason to worry. A full grown love turns fear away – it says it throws it out of our house and leaves no room for any nervousness, anxiety, worry, anything.
The next part of the verse talks about punishment, abuse?, violence?, miscommunication?, hurt feelings?, separation and a feeling of disattachment to those close to us?…Okay…from reading this, I believe I need to become CONFIDENT in my relationship with Rich, and the kids.
I know that I know that they love me. I need to be strong and realize there is nothing I can do that will make them love me any less, and if anything, by being honest in my love and mature in my love, and being my true self, they may actually love me more.
No more fear, no more embarrassment. It is okay to be everything that I am. It is okay to allow Rich to correct me. Just as it is okay for me to correct the kids, it is in love and with my best interests at heart, not as a punishment or disapproval.
Lord, help me to relax in my relationship with my family, and in my relationship with You. Help me to know and remember that you created a perfect being, for a perfect purpose, and that you have brought my family to me, also for a purpose. Help me remember that there is nothing more important than our love for You and each other. Help me to not fear in my relationships anymore. AMEN.
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