December 2024 Blog | Dr. Margaret Smith & Elder Curtis J. Smith
Happy Holidays to you all. Regarding 1 John 4:18, I believe the writer John wants the readers to understand the difference between godly-fear and worldly-fear. Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion, causing emotion of feelings of danger, or feeling threaten. To be afraid when we go contrary of God’s Word is not actually fearing God or being frightened of God, but rather feeling guilty that we’ve disappointed our Heavenly Father, when He has been nothing but loving toward us, this is what I believe is the meaning and difference of the text “fear.” There is no fear in perfect love (Col. 3:16).
# Jordan H., (Illinois) 12-07-24
In the book of Luke 1:30, The angel said to Mary “Fear Not,” and the angel said, “His (God’s) mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. I believe this kind of fear has the ingredient of love and respect and that God reward those that displays it. John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment.” When you think about fear in this way, or in the secular definition, fear really is torment and terror, it is an unpleasant emotion causing one to feel threatened, and in danger. But the Godkind of fear is loving, caring, embracing and a show of reverence that spells respect and honor. God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power of love and of a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7). Merry Christmas. # Cheryl N. (New York) 12-07-24
Merry Christmas to everyone and Happy New Year. I’m in agreement with you all. This is an interesting text that really gave me an “eye-opening.” I want to add, regarding the “Godkind of fear” and the casting out terror and danger of the secular kind of fear. I believe natural fear is the natural consequences of sin according to biblical definitions (ref: Gen. 3:10; 4:13-14; Prov. 28:1). Fear comes as a punishment, (Proverbs 8:13); Proverbs 16:6 says this is true wisdom. Why is it true wisdom? Because to know God is to learn of Him, and to take His yoke upon us, meaning we can “yoke-up” with the Lord. This wisdom is the principal thing (Prov. 4:7), mixed with charity (Love), and knowledge. Now, the fear of man and evils are dangers to be avoided, which the fear of God will deliver. The fear of God is to stand in “awe” of the Almighty. Fear is sometimes understood to be a sense of belief or equivalent to having religion (ref. Acts 10:2, 35). # George, (New York, NY) 12-08-24
Joshua was on a mission from God. His mission was to destroy the city of Jericho. God had promised and assured Joshua that he was to be “strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9). Joshua sent spies from Israel into Jericho to survey and convey a report concerning Jericho’s military strengths and situation. By Rehab intercepting with favor to Israel’s spies, she saved Israel. This is symbolic of God’s redeeming quality. Therefore, Joshua repaid Rehab by showing mercy to her and to her entire family. It was indeed a “Mission of God,” so Joshua invoked to Rehab. “A God Favor”. God invoked a curse upon Jericho saying, “May the curse of the Lord fall on anyone who tries to rebuild the town of Jericho” (Joshua 6:26).
# Rev. T.H. (Memphis) - (2-14-24)
The conversation is good, regarding 1 John 4:18, “There is no “Fear in love...” The Bible also says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10), meaning we should have a deep reverence and respect for God, this is seen as a Christian’s foundation that ushers us into wisdom and signifies that God’s power and authority are operating in us. To the Publishers and fellow Blogs friends, Merry Christmas. # Rev. T.H., (Memphis) 12-08-24
In 1 John 4:18, John explores the transformative power of love. He states, “There is no fear in love." But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has torment, the one who fears is not made perfect in love.” This verse emphasizes that love and fear are incompatible, and that perfect love has the ability to cast out fear. When fear dominates our hearts, it hinders our ability to experience the fullness of God’s perfect love. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of individuals who allowed fear to control their actions and hinder their relationship with God. One such example is the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. After they disobeyed God’s command not to eat from the tree of knowledge, they experienced fear and shame, causing them to hide from God’s presence. # Min. Jackson, (Kenosha) 12-09-24
To gain deeper insight into the meaning of 1 John 4:18, we can explore the Greek terminology used in this verse. The word translated as “perfect” is “teleios,” which carries the connotation of completeness and maturity. The Greek word for “fear” in 1 John 4:18 is “phobos,” which refers to a sense of dread or terror. In this context, it signifies the fear of punishment or judgment. On the other hand, the Greek word for “love” is “agape,” which represents selfless, unconditional love. By examining these Greek terms, we can see that the verse is truly highlighting the contrast between the fear of punishment and the perfect love of God. The completeness and maturity found in God’s love casts out the fear of judgment, allowing believers to experience a sense of security and peace by embracing God’s perfect Love and overcoming fear.# Brother John, (Arkansas) 12-09-24
Fear is a natural human emotion that can often hinder our spiritual growth. In Christianity, fear can manifest in several ways, such as fear of judgment, fear of failure, or fear of the unknown. However, the Bible teaches us that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). When we truly understand and embrace God’s love for us, we can find freedom from fear and experience a greater sense of peace and security in our relationship with Him. Love, on the other hand, is at the core of Christian faith. Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). This love is not merely a sentimental feeling, but an active choice to put others before ourselves and seek their well-being. It is a selfless love that reflects the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. # Brother Hall (Maywood, IL) 12-09-24
Keep the conversation going, your comments are welcomed . . . We love hearing from you, please send your comments to: reachtoteachministries@yahoo.com (THANK You) NEXT MONTH’S TOPIC/QUESTION: What does it means? What are your comments on "The first and greatest commandment and the second that is like unto it? (Matthew 22:36-40) Thank you for your participation.
The conversation is good, regarding 1 John 4:18, “There is no “Fear in love...” The Bible also says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10), meaning we should have a deep reverence and respect for God, this is seen as a Christian’s foundation that ushers us into wisdom and signifies that God’s power and authority are operating in us. To the Publishers and fellow Blogs friends, Merry Christmas. # Rev. T.H., (Memphis) 12-08-24
In 1 John 4:18, John explores the transformative power of love. He states, “There is no fear in love." But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has torment, the one who fears is not made perfect in love.” This verse emphasizes that love and fear are incompatible, and that perfect love has the ability to cast out fear. When fear dominates our hearts, it hinders our ability to experience the fullness of God’s perfect love. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of individuals who allowed fear to control their actions and hinder their relationship with God. One such example is the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. After they disobeyed God’s command not to eat from the tree of knowledge, they experienced fear and shame, causing them to hide from God’s presence. # Min. Jackson, (Kenosha) 12-09-24
To gain deeper insight into the meaning of 1 John 4:18, we can explore the Greek terminology used in this verse. The word translated as “perfect” is “teleios,” which carries the connotation of completeness and maturity. The Greek word for “fear” in 1 John 4:18 is “phobos,” which refers to a sense of dread or terror. In this context, it signifies the fear of punishment or judgment. On the other hand, the Greek word for “love” is “agape,” which represents selfless, unconditional love. By examining these Greek terms, we can see that the verse is truly highlighting the contrast between the fear of punishment and the perfect love of God. The completeness and maturity found in God’s love casts out the fear of judgment, allowing believers to experience a sense of security and peace by embracing God’s perfect Love and overcoming fear.# Brother John, (Arkansas) 12-09-24
Fear is a natural human emotion that can often hinder our spiritual growth. In Christianity, fear can manifest in several ways, such as fear of judgment, fear of failure, or fear of the unknown. However, the Bible teaches us that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). When we truly understand and embrace God’s love for us, we can find freedom from fear and experience a greater sense of peace and security in our relationship with Him. Love, on the other hand, is at the core of Christian faith. Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). This love is not merely a sentimental feeling, but an active choice to put others before ourselves and seek their well-being. It is a selfless love that reflects the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. # Brother Hall (Maywood, IL) 12-09-24
Keep the conversation going, your comments are welcomed . . . We love hearing from you, please send your comments to: reachtoteachministries@yahoo.com (THANK You) NEXT MONTH’S TOPIC/QUESTION: What does it means? What are your comments on "The first and greatest commandment and the second that is like unto it? (Matthew 22:36-40) Thank you for your participation.