When Love Is Your Motivation, There Is No Fear

by Rick Warren — December 29, 2023
From God’s Amazing Promises

“Where God's love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear.”

1 John 4:18 (NCV)

A lot of people think the opposite of fear is faith. It’s not! The opposite of fear is love.

Love moves against fear. When love comes in the front door of your heart, fear goes out the back door. You can’t be afraid and loving at the same time—not with real love. When you have real love—God’s love—then you don’t have to fear.

People don’t run into a burning building to rescue children because of faith. They do it because of love. Parents will put their lives at risk to protect their families because they love their children.

If love is the motivation of everything you do, then fear is going to disappear.

“Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18 NCV).

Maybe something you have to do is making you nervous. When you start feeling fear rise up in you, you need to pause at that moment. Then focus on how much God loves you. You may need to remind yourself out loud: “God, you really love me! You’re on my side. You want me to succeed in this. I’m going to do it in your strength and with your love.”

God doesn’t want you to fail. He wants you to succeed at what you’re doing and fulfill your purpose. When you focus on his love, you won’t be afraid. Perfect love casts out all fear!

When I speak in front of thousands of people every weekend, I’m not afraid. Why? Because I do two things: I focus on God’s love for me, and then I focus on my love for my church family. They are not an audience to be feared. They are a family to be loved. My love for them and for Jesus overcomes any fear I might have when I preach.

When you’re fearful, you’re focusing totally on yourself. That’s not love! When you’re loving, you’re focused not on yourself but on what other people need.

The more loving you are, the less fearful you are. So, if you make love your motivation for what you do, you’re not going to be afraid to do it.

Make love your motivation, and move against your fear.

Talk It Over

  • Why is it easier to focus on yourself instead of other people?
  • What is one of your greatest fears about fulfilling your mission in life? What does your fear reveal about your motivations?
  • Can you love someone when you are focused on yourself? Why or why not?

God loves you, no matter what you’ve done.

Because we’re human, we’ve taken Satan’s bait and been hooked into sin more times than we can count. But no matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, you’ve got a place in God’s forever family ready and waiting for you. The invitation is wide open. Just believe and receive.

Are you ready? Here’s a prayer you can start with: “Dear God, I know that when I die I’m going to give an account of my life to you directly. I confess I have ignored you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins and turn toward you.

“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all that I’ve done wrong so I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know only your grace can save me, Lord.

“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I humbly ask you to save me. I ask you to save me from the sins and the habits that are messing up my life right now. I believe in you, Jesus. And I believe you will keep your promise to save me instantly, certainly, completely, and eternally. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

If you prayed the prayer above, please write and tell me at [email protected]. I’d like to send you some materials as you begin your journey with Jesus.


Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.