When Love Is Your Motivation, There Is No Fear By Rick Warren
“Where God's love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear.” 1 John 4:18 (NCV)
A lot of people think the opposite of fear is faith. It’s not! The opposite of fear is love.
Love moves against fear. When love comes in the front door of your heart, fear goes out the back door. You can't be afraid and loving at the same time—not with real love. When you have real love—God’s love—then you don't have to fear.
People don’t run into a burning building to rescue children because of faith. They do it because of love. Parents will put their lives at risk to protect their families because they love their children.
If love is the motivation of everything you do, then fear is going to disappear.
“Where God's love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18 NCV).
Maybe something you have to do is making you nervous. When you start feeling fear rise up in you, you need to pause at that moment. Then focus on how much God loves you. You may need to remind yourself out loud: “God, you really love me! You're on my side. You want me to succeed in this. I'm going to do it in your strength and with your love.”
God doesn't want you to fail. He wants you to succeed at what you're doing and fulfill your purpose. When you focus on his love, you won’t be afraid. Perfect love casts out all fear!
When I speak in front of thousands of people every weekend, I'm not afraid. Why? Because I do two things: I focus on God’s love for me, and then I focus on my love for my church family. They are not an audience to be feared. They are a family to be loved. My love for them and for Jesus overcomes any fear I might have when I preach.
When you're fearful, you're focusing totally on yourself. That's not love! When you're loving, you're focused not on yourself but on what other people need.
The more loving you are, the less fearful you are. So, if you make love your motivation for what you do, you're not going to be afraid to do it.
Make love your motivation, and move against your fear.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Your Gift Brings Hope to the World
Teach the children in your life about God’s unchanging love.
"God’s Great Love for You" is a beautifully illustrated picture book designed to help children grasp just how deeply God loves them—no matter who they are or where they go.
Written by Pastor Rick Warren and illustrated by award-winning artist Chris Saunders, this book makes a meaningful gift for your children, your grandchildren, or any child you want to encourage in their walk with God.
It’s our thank-you for your generous support to help share the gospel around the world through the ministry of Daily Hope. Request your copy today—and thank you for your partnership!
*The gift book is hardcover with premium paper pages (9.3" x 11.2", green cover). The softcover is lighter and more flexible (8" x 8", blue cover). Both include the full story.
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.