Article: Perfect Love
Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
1John 4:16-21 (KJV)
16 And we have known and believed the love that Elohim (God) hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17 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.
18 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.
19 We love him, because he first loved us.
20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
1. Elohim (God) is love.
Are you afraid of Elohim (God) because you think He is really not all that loving?
Romans 5:6-8
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ (Messiah) died for the ungodly.
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8 But God (Elohim) commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ (Messiah) died for us.
2. As He is, so are we.
Are you afraid to follow Yeshua (Jesus), because you think keeping the commandments will take away your freedom?
1John 2:3-6
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God (Elohim) perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
3. No fear in love.
Are you afraid to approach Elohim (God) because you don’t want Him to see who you really are?
Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus (Yeshua) the Son of God (Elohim), let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
4. We love Him.
Are you afraid to love Elohim (God) and follow His instructions because you may have to let go of some of the things in your life?
Isaiah 41:10
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God (Elohim): I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Joshua 1:9
9 Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD (Yahweh) thy God (Elohim) is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
5. Love his brother.
Are you afraid to love all men, even your enemies, because they may hurt you, insult you, or turn and tear you to pieces?
Matthew 5:44-48
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
How Do We Get His Love?
John 3:27
…A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
It is important to know that fear comes from the mind, it comes from our thoughts; how we think. How do we get the love that will calm the mind?
Through Yeshua Messiah comes the love that will calm the mind. Without His love, man(kind) will be scared, suspicious, paranoid, mean, and even hateful. But with the love of Yeshua, man’s mind will be calmed and his thoughts will become peaceful. And no matter what life may throw at him, and no matter what others may do to him, he will be able to love them through it, with a love that comes from Elohim. Because, Elohim commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Messiah died for us.
How Do We Abide in His Love?
John 15:9-12
9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Elohim loves you. If you doubt His love for you, you will never be able to overcome fear. You will lack the confidence that He is with you. You must trust Him because He moved heaven and earth to get to you. He extended His hand and offered up His Son. It is only perfect love, His love that casts out all fear. Your own doubt and lack of trust doesn’t stop His love from being perfect. When you doubt, you cause your love to be imperfect. For His love is always perfect.
Imperfect love cannot cast out fear.
So when you are afraid, pray to Yahweh (the LORD) and ask Him to reveal His perfect love to you, and He will show you Yeshua.
written by Tracy Huey
Love One Another