In this world we are like Jesus.  There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 

1 John 4:17, 18

“In this world we are like Jesus.”  Really?  Is that the standard?  Can anyone be like Jesus?  Can we live like him?  Die like him?  Rise from the dead like him?  Who can possibly attain to the standard of Jesus?

There is only one answer, and that is obvious, we cannot.  But, hold your breath, we can if Jesus is in us doing what he does, with our entire wholehearted cooperation, of course!  This is wonderful good news.

Jesus loves.  That we know. His love drives out fear!  I must think about that for a bit. I hadn’t thought of how love and fear are related.  If I truly love I give up my right to protect myself.  A paradox – perfect love assumes perfect vulnerability.  That sounds contradictory but it is exactly what the Spirit is bringing to our attention, I do believe.  If I, as a believer, live in fear it is because that agape is not at the center of my will and life. If I truly love someone I have no reason to fear that he or she will do me harm.

This is exactly what happens when give our lives to Jesus, when we love him so sincerely that we can trust everything to his will.  If so, fear is gone because he will love us until the end.

If I interpret this passage right, it means that if I live in fear, that is an indication that I have not given my all to Jesus Christ who promises to meet my every need. I think that is what John means by insisting that “There is no fear in love.“ 

Now and again I feel a sharp point of fear.  I suppose that is normal. What is not normal is repenting of not loving Jesus who casts out fear because of who he is.  That is our way of dealing with any stab of fear.  Of this I must learn again and again.  Lord, grant me the grace to love you without reservation.