What the Bible says
John says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment” (1 John 4:18). Fear and torment go together. The cure John gives is not a method but a love, the perfect love of God shown at the cross. The more we know and believe the love God has for us, the less room fear has to torment us. We do not drive fear out by our strength; His love casts it out.
Paul tells Timothy, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear does not come from the Father. To the Romans he says, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). The child of God is not a slave cowering before a master, but a son calling to his Father.
Again and again the reason God gives for not fearing is His presence. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God” (Isaiah 41:10). David walked through the darkest valley and said, “I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4). He also prayed honestly, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee” (Psalm 56:3). Fear may come, but it is met by trust in the God who is near.
Jesus speaks to the fear of men by turning our eyes to the Father’s care. “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31). Solomon warns, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25). And the risen Christ lays His hand on John and says, “Fear not; I am the first and the last” (Revelation 1:17). He holds the keys of death, so His people need not fear.
14 verses, King James Version
1 John 4:18
Perfect love casteth out fear
18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
2 Timothy 1:7
Not a spirit of fear, but power and love
7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Romans 8:15
The Spirit of adoption, not bondage
15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Joshua 1:9
The Lord is with you wherever you go
9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Isaiah 41:10
God is with you and holds you up
10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Psalms 27:1
God Himself is your safety
1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalms 56:3–4
A prayer for fearful moments
3What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Psalms 34:4
He answered and delivered David
4I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalms 23:4
The Shepherd is with you in the valley
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psalms 46:1–3
A refuge when everything shakes
1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
Isaiah 43:1–2
You belong to Him
1But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
Luke 12:32
The Father delights to give you the kingdom
32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Revelation 1:17–18
Jesus holds the keys of death
17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Psalms 118:6
Fear of people loses its grip
6The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (public domain). Read aloud by Anthony.