Fear

1 John 4:18 (NIV)
¹⁸ 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.

1 John 4:18 (MSG)
¹⁸ There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.

Matthew 10:28 (NIV)
²⁸ Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:28 (MSG)
²⁸ "Don't be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There's nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.

These scriptures may seem contradictory at first but they really are talking about two different things. They have been translated fear, or afraid, but two different Greek words are used. The Greek word in 1 John, phobos, refers to the meaning we usually associate with being frightened, or terrified of something negative. Here the main objects of fear are death and judgment. John refers to the love that has overcome death and judgment. Anyone who accepts Christ should no longer be subject to fear. The realization of that love and peace may be more gradual for some, but both are like bodies of still, deep water. We are able to immerse ourselves, but we will never touch the bottom.

The verse in Matthew uses the Greek word fóbon, which speaks of awe and reverence. We should never forget that God is the Creator and the magnitude of what was done for us in Christ. His power and mercy are available for all. That power overcame death. Mercy overcame judgment. Our life is in His hands. Our destiny hinges on the understanding of that reality. We should be careful to not to take anything for granted but instead be humble and full of thanksgiving for this awesome privilege of being allowed to become sons and daughters of God. Our fear should be for those who don’t accept this true reality, either because of ignorance or outright rejection. But all things are possible for God and love can overcome all things.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.