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. – 1 John 4:18-19.

Have you ever been afraid? I mean really afraid? Afraid for your life? Anyone of a certain age has likely been afraid of dying. Most everyone has been afraid of failure at some point. Everyone is afraid at some point in his or her life.

I have recently been afraid, deathly afraid, dealing with health issues. Tonight, I went to bed afraid, thinking about things eternal, regrets, and failures. Tuning in to “Night Sounds,” as I do most every night at bedtime, I heard the late Bill Pierce quote the verse above.

I have heard many preachers say that fear is a lack of faith and others that proclaim fear an evil spirit, but I don’t think I have ever heard a sermon based on the verse above.

According to John, fear is the result of imperfect love. Am I afraid? Then, it is because I don’t love Christ enough. Hmmmm… This is something to ponder.

One of my goals in life is to perfect my love for Christ, family, and others. Perhaps, as I draw nearer to Christ, my fear will dissipate. I hope so.