By Aaron Perdue

Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about love, and why perfect love casts out fear. The entertainment world likes to paint a fantasy picture of love with 24/7 happiness and without responsibility or commitment. The reality is that love causes some people to fear because of past relationships, trauma, or other reasons. I want you to know that only God’s love is perfect, and the Bible says in 1 John 4:18, 

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

What’s the difference between God’s love and human love? 

First, let’s see what biblical love looks like. There are over 200 verses about God’s love, including the passage in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 that describes love as God designed it. The most important aspect of God’s love is that it is His character, who He is. “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8). And the ultimate demonstration of perfect love was shown by Jesus, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Other differences between God’s love and human love include:

God’s love lasts forever (Psalm 136:26), while human love can fade and end.

God’s love gives (John 3:16), while human love can be manipulated to get something from the other.

God’s love has no boundaries (Psalm 103:11–12), while human love often has boundaries.

God’s love rejoices over you (Zephaniah 3:17), while human love can sometimes wound.

God’s love brings unity (Colossians 3:14), while human love can bring isolation.

God’s love inspires us to love others (1 John 4:11), while human love can be selfish.

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear

Now, let’s look at how to apply “perfect love casts out fear” in daily life, so it’s more than just a nice thought—it is a reality we live. Since only perfect love casts out fear, we need to know the source of that perfect love: Jesus. When you know the real source, you won’t fall for imitations. When you know Jesus, you know peace, which is the opposite of fear. Christians deal with anxiety and fear by “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

The way Christians cultivate a fearless faith is through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. By recognizing and accepting God’s love, you no longer fear God or His punishment for your sins. When Christ lives in you and through you, you have fearless faith to live a life that shines God’s love through everything you do and say.

His Perfect Love

You might be wondering how you can have a relationship with Jesus and experience God’s perfect love—simply surrender your life to Jesus Christ, invite Him to be your Savior, and accept His forgiveness of your sins. The Holy Spirit will live in you and guide you to live the life God created you to live, worshiping Him and bringing glory to His name. When you are a child of God, His perfect love will bring peace into your life!

If you’ve never received Jesus as your Savior, pray this prayer:

“Dear God, I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe Jesus died for my sins. I believe You raised Him from the dead and made Him Lord. Jesus, right now I receive Your forgiveness for my sins, and I confess You as my Lord. I ask You to come live Your life in me. I will live for You as You give me the strength. I pray this in the name of Jesus, amen.”

If you just prayed this prayer or would like someone to pray with you, please reach out to us on our prayer hotline at 719-418-4000. To hear more about God’s love, download these free teachings from Pastor Lawson Perdue here at Charis Christian Center: Love Unveiled (3 Lessons), Unconditional Love (3 Lessons), The Royal Law of Love (4 Lessons), and What Love Has Done for Us (4 Lessons).