Former Blackout Artist

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. – 1 John 4:18

It’s funny how we can so easily become attached to our pets. I was reminded of this a few weeks ago as my wife and I were leaving for Europe. Right before leaving for the airport, I noticed Simba (our beloved Goldendoodle) laying on the couch looking all sad. It was almost like he knew that we weren’t going to be around to keep him company for the next several days. I went over and rubbed his head and told him to behave himself while we were away. I also gave him a treat as a friendly gesture of our agreement.

We ended up having a wonderful time in Europe, but I really missed my best friend. As soon as we walked through the door a week later, he was beside himself! (And so was I) If he could only talk… Where have you been? I’ve been dying to see you! I’m so happy you’re home!

Anyway, as I read 1 John 4:18 this morning, I thought about dogs. Not the pampered and spoiled dogs like my beloved Simba, but rather the dogs that have been rescued.

When that rescued dog first arrives at its new home, it’s nervous about everything. If the owner walks into the room, the dog cowers. If it makes a mess on the floor, it expects to be hit, yelled at, and kicked out of the house. That poor thing lives in constant fear because fear is all its ever known.

But suppose that the owner is consistently kind toward it. Day after day, the dog is fed, cared for, gently spoken to, and protected. When it makes a mistake, its corrected instead of being abused or abandoned. Over time, something wonderful begins to change. The dog slowly begins to trust its master. It no longer cowers or runs away when the owner approaches. When called, it comes. It rests peacefully at his feet.

The owner’s love has driven out the fear that once controlled everything about the dog.

I think this is a good illustration for 1 John 4:18. Many people think of God as though He’s waiting for an excuse to cast them away, so they approach Him with the nervousness of that frightened rescue dog. But here’s the thing: Just as the dog’s confidence grows from knowing its master’s character, the Christian’s peace grows stronger from knowing God’s character. Does that mean that he will never feel anxious or nervous or troubled? Of course not. John is speaking of the fear of condemnation. A child of God may grieve his own personal failures, but he never has to experience the fear of being abandoned. He need not doubt the love of the Savior who died for him and that he has been reconciled to God.

And just like that rescue dog – believers don’t stop fearing because they become more brave or more capable, but because they learn through repeated experience that their Master is kind, faithful, and trustworthy.

God doesn’t “grow” to love us more. We learn to love Him more as we grow in our faithful walk with Christ.

He has perfectly loved us all along.