The verse 1 John 4:18 is a powerful statement about the nature of love and its relationship to fear. It declares, “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.” This scripture offers profound insight into the transformative power of love, particularly within a Christian context.
This passage distinguishes between different kinds of fear. It’s not referring to the “filial fear of God,” which is a respectful reverence and a cornerstone of wisdom. Instead, it addresses the kind of fear that torments and enslaves. This can include the fear of other people, the fear of death, or, significantly, the fear of judgment and eternal condemnation. Those who are truly grounded in brotherly love, a love for fellow believers as highlighted in earlier verses of 1 John, find themselves liberated from these crippling fears. This love acts as an antidote to the anxieties that can bind individuals.
The verse emphasizes that “perfect love casts out fear.” This “perfect love” isn’t necessarily about flawless love, but rather genuine, sincere love that is mature and complete in its development. When this kind of love is present and recognized within oneself, it provides assurance and confidence. Knowing that one possesses sincere love for their brothers and sisters in faith becomes evidence of true faith itself. This assurance naturally dispels the dread of future judgment and divine wrath. As the verse suggests, those dwelling in love understand they have “passed from death to life” and are no longer subject to condemnation, thus eliminating the basis for such fear.
The text further explains, “fear involves torment.” This highlights the distressing and painful nature of fear. It’s not just discomfort; it’s a state of anguish and unease that can keep a person in bondage. Fear, whether it’s fear of worldly powers, spiritual forces, death, or divine judgment, creates a state of servitude and unrest. Conversely, the absence of this tormenting fear is a mark of progress in love. The verse concludes by stating that “he who fears has not been made perfect in love,” indicating that the presence of such fear reveals an incompleteness in the development of love within an individual. It’s not that believers will never experience moments of doubt or fear, but that a life dominated by servile fear signifies a lack of perfected love’s liberating power.
This verse from 1 John 4:18 ultimately points to the freeing nature of love. It’s a love that overcomes paralyzing fear, offering peace and assurance to those who embrace it sincerely. This understanding underscores the central role of love in spiritual growth and freedom from the torment of fear.
