Excerpt from Rhema For Living Devotional

Wednesday, May 24th.

The Importance of Walking in Divine Love - 24 (It Drives Out Fear).

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." (1st John 4:18).

There is a converse relationship between love and fear. When you are in an environment full of love, fear will virtually disappear. But when you are in an environment full of hate, there is every tendency for fear to rule over you. You are afraid of receiving food from a neighbour or friend for fear of being poisoned. You do your best to secure your money when you are sharing a room with someone for fear that it could be stolen. Fear finds its full expression in an environment devoid of love.

But, it shouldn't be so with believers in Christ. When we genuinely love one another and we show it by our words and actions, fear will certainly be cast out from our hearts.

However, the context in which it is used in the opening text has to do with the fear of God's judgment. There are so many Christians who are afraid of God's judgment each time they think about eternity. So, they express their fears through songs like, 'remember me oh Lord when you come to collect your people'. Others sing songs like, 'when the saints go marching in, Lord, I want to be in that number...'

The examples of the songs above are evidences of fear. How could God forget you when you cost him the very blood of Jesus? You are not planning to make heaven; you are already a citizen of heaven.

So, if you are afraid of God's judgment, it means that God's love is not perfected in you yet. How can we tell if God's love is perfected in us? It's by the love you demonstrate for your brethren. Thus, it is written; "No man hath seen God at any time. IF WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER, God dwelleth in us, and HIS LOVE IS PERFECTED IN US." (1st John 4:12).

Demonstrating our love for one another is not in words but in deeds. It is by giving to those in need in our midst, clothe the hungry and give shelter to the homeless. Make deliberate budget for the needy from your income. You don't have to wait for someone to ask for for help before you give. Look out for those in need from time to time and be a blessing to them.

Quite a lot of people invest their finances in church projects and programmes which is good. But until you begin to minister to the poor and needy in your midst, your love is not yet perfected. You can't claim to love the God you don't see and neglect the brethren you see. Hence, it is written; "...That he who loveth God love his brother also." (1st John 4:21).

Prayer: I thank you Father for your mercy and lovingkindness towards me. I thank you also for the good plans you have for me. I have the assurance that they will be fulfilled in due season. I use this opportunity to ask for overflowing blessings so I can be an instrument of blessing to those in need around me in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st John 3:16-18, 4:7-8, 20, John 13:34-35, Proverbs 3:27, James 4:17.