The Absence of Fear is Peace
ICS Daily Devotions
1 John 4:17-19 (NKJV) Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgement; because as He is, so are we in this world. 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. We love Him because He first loved us.
When facing difficulties, some people like to ask whether God is punishing them for what they have done. Those who ask such a question are tormented because they are unsure of God’s love. Therefore, our understanding of how God sees us and the knowledge that He is not against us is vital for us to experience perfect peace.
We will always experience uncertainty and fear if we believe that acceptance is based on Phileo love, which is a conditional love. We will always fear that we are not good enough or have done enough to be loved and accepted. However, God does not operate in Phileo love, but Agape love, which is unconditional. God first loved us while we were sinners. He knows our condition, but He chose to pay the price by sending Jesus so that we can be accepted by Him.
The perfect love of God gives us perfect peace and absolute security in His love. Therefore, it sets us free from fear, because if God is not against us but for us, there is nothing to fear. Because our salvation is purely because of God’s grace towards us and not by works, we cannot add anything to our salvation but nothing can separate us from His love either.
We are redeemed and have our sins forgiven because of the blood of Jesus. We have the right to be His children (John 1:12) and are seen as righteous and holy because He sees us in Christ. The blood of Jesus that was shed for us gave us the right standing with God. Therefore, as Jesus is, so are we in this world. This is the love of God and what Jesus has achieved for us. It is a positional truth that is given to us in Christ, and it does not change.
God’s perfect love has cast out the fear of death, and death has lost its sting. If God accepts us, we are not afraid or fearful of death. This truth is foundational, and knowing it will grant us the entrance to having peace with God and experiencing the peace of God in the storms of our lives.
Romans 5:1 (NKJV) Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Sermon Series: Keep the Peace
