The topic of love has always intrigued me. Particularly when I was in high school (and ever since then) I was enthralled by learning what Biblical love looked like. I studied and studied to find out how I could learn to love more like Jesus does.

Back in high school, I thought I had a pretty good grasp on what this kind of love looked like. I was super passionate about this topic and it was something that was always on my mind. But as the years went by, my mind became preoccupied with other things I found more important. I forgot some of the most important aspects of Biblical love.

One aspect I was reminded of recently, can be found in 1 John chapter 4. This whole chapter talks about the ways that God loves and the way that mankind loves each other. 1 John 4 is filled with beautiful imagery of what Biblical love is, but the verse that sticks out to me the most is verse 18. This verse says, “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.”

The one who fears is not made perfect in love. I am that one.

I am so glad this verse was brought back into the forefront of my mind. Because I had let other matters take importance in my life, I allowed fear to creep into my life and find a firm footing in my relationships with people. I realized that I was trying to tell people that I love them, but at the same time I was afraid to fully trust them. According to 1 John 4:18, I was living in contradiction. I could either fully love or fully fear. I could not do both, because that is impossible.

Now that I have been reminded of my contradictions, I am able to clearly see the areas in my life where I was fearful and doubtful. Today, I am choosing to love. Even when I feel afraid, I am choosing not to dwell in that and become fearful. Because I am choosing love, that love is driving out whatever fear I may feel.

I would encourage you if you’re not doing it already, learn to love fearlessly. Love without fear, and love more like Christ.