There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18
When someone loves us, we should not be afraid of them. Yet because those that love us are imperfect, they may occasionally cause us harm. That can introduce a hint of apprehension in our relationship. But if we are assured that they truly love us we give them the benefit of the doubt. God is different and is perfect in His character and in His love for us. All of His thoughts and actions are for His glory and our best interest. This drives away fear. And we need never question His actions towards us.
We sometimes mistake the fear of God with being afraid of God. The fear of God involves reverence, awe and a recognition of His power. He is not safe[1] in the sense that He cannot be controlled. So, to know God is to fear Him. But because of His character, that He is good and He loves me, I am unafraid of Him.
Our trust in His love of us casts out fears of all kinds. We can be unafraid of His call or direction. unafraid of death, consequences and His judgment. I am grateful to be loved perfectly by a fearsome, Almighty God, which gives freedom to live without fear.
