Many times, the narrative is faith over fear. Whenever we hear fear, we think of faith as the antidote. This is very true. More faith equals less fear. Nevertheless, there is another way we can overcome fear. Love. The scripture helps us understand that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). In God’s love we overcome fear. The understanding that we are loved by God makes us less fearful of whatever the enemy may throw our way.

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Rom. 5:5

The scripture helps us understand that the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Rom. 5:5). If we have this love already dwelling in us, then surely fear would have a hard time thriving. To understand this concept better, we must understand how the love of God works. There several scriptures to prove God’s love for us. For example, Jeremiah 29:11 tells us of His plans of good and not of evil for us. Armed with knowledge –that He loves us so much that He has planned out our future –we would not live in fear of our tomorrow, knowing it would be alright. 

“ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jer. 29:11

Again, God loves us so much that He has promised to never leave nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5; Deut. 31:8). In other words, He would always be with us and never leave us stranded. He will never stand us up. When we come into the consciousness of His love for us and hold on to His promises like this, the fear of loneliness is overcome. 

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Deut. 31:8

Essentially, the answer to your fears is God’s love. Dwelling in God’s love and allowing that same love to dwell in you is a sure way to kick out fear from your life completely. 

The fear of death is somewhat normal. But did you know that with the consciousness of God’s love for you even death becomes less scary? Apostle Paul said “to live is for Christ and to die is gain” (Php. 1:21). Some translations interpret it as “dying is even better” (NLT). He had become so unterrified by death. Why? The love of God had been magnified in his heart without limits. Paul was conscious of God’s love. There was no worry about what would happen to him after death because he knew after death was eternity with Christ, what Jesus has so lovingly promised us who believe (John 3:16).   

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.“

John 3:16

Further down our anchor scripture (1 John 4:18) we see that fear has to do with punishment. Many believers are living in fear of punishment whether here on earth or eternal punishment and that ought not to be. The scripture tells us that whoever fears has not been perfected in love. The love of God –contrary to popular opinion –actually brings us closer to Him. It helps us please Him more. God’s love compels us to do what pleases Him (2 Cor. 5:13-14)

If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.

2 Cor. 5:13-14

Grace, the forgiveness of our sins, and salvation were all birthed from God’s love for us. The more conscious we are of God’s love for us, the less fear we would have towards punishment, not as a result of defiance or an I-don’t-care attitude but because doing the right thing would become easier and less burdensome. It would become more desirous. It is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance. It is His love that draws. Love is the power of the gospel. (Rom. 2:4)

What gives us confidence is not just about the power of God, it’s about His love for us.

And here’s the good news: we’re forever in God’s love. Romans 8:31-39 helps us understand that absolutely nothing can separate us from God’s love. This means that as long as we remain conscious of His love for us, we would continue to overcome fear.