Contemplative Bible Reading

1 John 4:18 (New Living Translation)

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.

Take note, as I did, of the second sentence—particularly the last phrase.

I believe this sentence is about the grace of God. His perfect love is that he loves us completely and without any hesitation. I pray that I could love in that way, but my human-ness (my sin) gets in the way. I have to hesitate a bit and put some little, tiny but understandable (from a human perspective) conditions on my love. (Please God, forgive me of this and help me in my unbelief.)

I don’t quite 100% believe in the unbelievable grace of God. (I suppose I should add that to the list of things I can neither believe nor understand about God.) Therefore, I am afraid or punishment.

Again, God, please help me in my unbelief.