18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.

19 We love because he first loved us.

20 Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.

21 The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.

Prayer Focus: There is no fear in love. In the many contrasts that First John sets up between believers and the “world,” this one strikes us as a bit odd. What is the opposite of love? Hate? Indifference? Apathy? The suggestion here is that the opposite of love is fear. As Master Yoda says in the Star Wars series, “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” Perfect love casts out fear and leads us to love our brothers and sisters. As we begin this year together, “We Love!” Pray that your love might cast out your fears today.   

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