Perfect Love Drives out Fear

October is the month when Halloween is celebrated. Over the years Halloween has been associated with fear and death. Fear and death have become a big business. Filmmakers earn millions of dollars from horror movies. Often these are released around the end of October. There has also been an increase in the number of haunted houses and haunted trails. This is apparently quite profitable as well. Some of these are advertised year-round.

I realize that most horror movies and haunted houses are for the purpose of entertainment. Yet there is a greater reality of fear than ever before especially since the attacks in New York and Washington on September 11, 2001. Fortunately God’s Word has some things to say about fear. I John 4:18 tells us there is no fear in love because perfect love drives out fear.

One of our greatest fears is the fear of death. God’s love can also drive out this fear. Jesus Christ came to earth to die for our sins and conquer death. God has given us the desire to live. Therefore we do not want to die. We also do not want to face the death of someone we love. Yet we do not have to be overwhelmed by the fear of death. For those who follow Jesus Christ, there is a hope! Physical death is the gateway to eternal life. The best thing we can do is strive to live for Jesus and trust Him with the rest. Terror will most likely continue to be a threat, but if we walk with the Lord then His love and power will be even more real.

That’s good news!

Yours for the kingdom,
David