Contemplative Bible Reading

1 John 4:18 (New International Version)

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Over the years I have read and written about fear and the workplace. “Drive out fear” is one phrase that comes to mind over and over. When people are afraid at work, they work poorly; they spend more time guarding themselves than they do working.

This passage strikes my heart. Complete love for a person and fear of that person cannot coexist. Love drives out fear says the second clause of the verse.

How does that work? As the third clause states, fear has to do with punishment. Will someone who truly loves me punish me? How can that be?

Notices that this verse does not state love does not discipline. I believe that love can and does discipline, correct, rebuke, and instruct. I believe that love does not punish.

The last sentence in the verse tells me that when I fear a person, I do not completely love them. I am too afraid of what they can do to me. That fear consumes my energy, causes me to watch the other person lest they hurt me, and keeps me from loving them.

This is all challenging. I have not driven out all fear from my life and have not yet achieved full love. I pray the Lord strengthens me to do so.