As many times as we've meditated on I John 4, we always seem to miss the context of just how perfect love is able to cast out fear in the first place.
Anyone reading this has loved someone while simultaneously being frightened for them or their ill-advised choices. And anyone who has been frightened for someone knows that love can motivate us to make a difference (or at least attempt to) while fear is a consuming thing that can lead to bitterness, heartache, division among friends and family, and even physical symptoms. I once worried myself into a stomach ulcer over missing a loved one before I learned to leave these things in God's hands.
This kind of amplified love does just what the Bible says it does: it tells it to take a hike. It may even prevent an ulcer or two.
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.A few observations:
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.
--I John 4:17-18.
