Perfect Love

Today's verse is I John 4:18
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. 

At one time, I considered that I did not need to fear God because he loved me, and his verse was my proof. However, consider, that perfect love does not sin, for as we are told elsewhere that love is the fulfillment of the law, and if we fulfill the law, what have we to fear. Also, however, fear of the Lord is not what is being spoken of here, for fear of God is pure and clean, and even gives comfort, but this fear as described here is full of pain and torment, for it is not born of love but of sin as well as often being the father of it. So let us rest in the love of God, and learn from him how to love others without fear; trusting in him for the strength to give, expecting no return. Amen.

To God be the Glory
Scott

Taken from my daily reading plan: Joel 3, Amos 1:1–4:5 and 1 John 1–5
Monday's reading will be: Amos 4:6–9:15 and 2 John, 3 John