1 John 4:18

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

There is no [reason for] fear if one [really] loves, but a complete love removes fear [from us] because fear produces punishment [i.e., mental anxiety], and the person who is [always] afraid does not have a complete love.

Cross References

2 Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit [i.e., a disposition] that makes us cowards but one that gives us power and love and self-control.

Romans 8:15

For you did not receive the Holy Spirit, to enslave you again to fear, [Note: Some translators take “Holy Spirit” here to be “spirit,” making the verse say “you did not receive the spirit of slavery”], but you received the Holy Spirit [or, a spirit] by adoption [who produces] sonship, so we can call out, “Abba” [which means] “Father.”

1 John 4:12

No person has gazed upon God [at any time]; [but] if we love one another, God [continually] lives in our hearts, and His love is made complete within us.

Hebrews 12:28

Therefore, we should be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken [i.e., the church. See Col. 1:13; Rev. 1:6, 9]. So, with reverence and awe, we should serve God in a way that pleases Him,

James 2:19

You believe that there is [only] one God; that is good! Even the demons believe [that], and they shudder [with fear at the thought].

Matthew 9:34

But the Pharisees said, “He is driving out evil spirits by [the power of] the chief of evil spirits.”