Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 John 4:18

"There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love." — 1 John 4:18 (ASV)

But perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

There is a loving, holy fear, which is never cast out. Filial fear grows as love grows. We must always cultivate that sacred dread, that solemn awe of God; but we are not afraid of him.

Dear heart, God is your best Friend, your choicest love. "Yes, my own God is he," you can say; and you have no fear of him now. You long to approach him.

Though he is a consuming fire, you know that he will only consume what you want to be consumed; and will purify you and make your gold shine more brightly because the consumable alloy is gone from it. He will not consume you, but only that which would work to your harm if it were left within you.

Refining fire, go through my heart! Consume as you will! I long to have sin consumed, that I may be like my God. Do you not say so, my brothers?

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:

If a man is conscious that he intends no harm to anyone, that he wishes good to all mankind, that he loves his God, and loves his fellowmen for God's sake, what has he to fear? He becomes the bravest of the brave, and often finds himself safe and unharmed in places where others dare not go.

There is no fear in love;

When a man loves with a perfect love, he escapes from bondage.