“There is no [fear] in love, but [perfect] love casteth out fear; because fear hath [torment]. He that [feareth] is not [made perfect] in love.” Commentary: Five Greek words are bracketed above. Two different words used for fear! The first word “fear” means a Godly fear or reverence! His love removes fear and only a desire to worship him! True love comes when you discover how much he loves you! What is perfect love? This is attaining your moral end or purpose in Christ! The word torment is not just a temporary punishment but an eternal one! It is a punishment for violating God’s laws! It is called sin! Sin produces the torment! Like Judas betraying Jesus! Hanging himself! There is no redemption in this torment! It is like a ticking time bomb in the soul of those that Christ! Anger is the fruit of this spirit! This produces no betterment in the soul. The next word feareth is a terrifying fear that causes one to flee or run away! No peace only running to and fro with no cure! Many people are running from God with the guilt of their sin! The last word “made perfect” we have discussed before. The love of Christ perfects the love of God in us to return that love to God and man! Our desire and mission is to accept his mission to save men! Take the Gospel to the ends of the earth! We want to share our experiences of the love of God with others. So why would some reject this love? Why would they reject their only Savior? People try to establish their own righteousness! They want to be God! Replace him! Pride before the fall! Self righteous! Like Lucifer is doing! Lucifer who became Satan! Make God in their own image! To try to establish their purpose outside the purpose of God! Producing a hell on earth rather than heaven! I will never forget the cartoon I saw in a newspaper years ago. It was a picture of a caveman with a club over his shoulder walking down a road from a mountain into a valley. The caption he spoke was I fear no evil as I walk through the shadow of the shadow of death because I am the meanest S.O.B. in the valley! This is a good example of a man trying to be like God without God! James & Hamsa Sasse. GodWhoisGod.com