Love triumphs over fear

“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

God designed our nervous systems to identify threats and keep us safe. Whether pulling your family out of harm’s way or tackling a tough project at work, your body is fearfully and wonderfully made to respond to life’s dangers. 

However, many men are stuck in a state of fear, which leads to anxiety, reactivity, competition, and disconnected relationships. 

When we don’t know how to process the trauma and hurt we experience in life, we start to believe the world is out to get us and live with our guard up, interpreting everyone and everything as potential danger. 

Living in fear like this is exhausting. But Scripture tells us that perfect love casts out fear.

When we experience the love of God in our being—our heart, soul, mind, and strength—it shifts us out of fear and into a place of trust and peace. This transformation permeates us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. 

As men, we have an innate desire to protect ourselves and others. But when we don’t deal with the wounds of our past, this desire to protect can turn into a fear-based way of living…one that must be transformed by the renewing of our hearts and minds in Christ.

Where are you experiencing fear in your life?

How does this fear shift when you look at it in light of Christ’s love for you?