Motivation by Fear vs Motivation by Love in Christian Living
Motivation by Fear vs Motivation by Love in Christian Living
The Bible contrasts motivation by fear with motivation by love, emphasizing that perfect love drives out fear [1, 3]. According to 1 John 4:18, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment" [1]. This verse suggests that fear is associated with punishment and is incompatible with perfect love.
In Christian living, motivation by fear is seen as inferior to motivation by love. The apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control" [2]. This indicates that fear is not a characteristic of the Spirit's work in believers. Instead, the Spirit empowers believers to live a life motivated by love.
The nature of love in Christian living is multifaceted. It is described as the greatest Christian virtue, encompassing all other virtues [9]. Love is also a fruit of the Spirit, produced in believers as they walk in the Spirit [9]. According to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, love is characterized by patience, kindness, and selflessness [8].
Different Christian traditions interpret the relationship between fear and love in various ways. Some, like John Gill, distinguish between the "filial fear of God" and the fear that is cast out by perfect love, suggesting that the former is consistent with faith, hope, and love [6]. Others, like Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, emphasize that fear has no place in love, and that perfect love casts out fear, giving believers bold confidence [5].
The contrast between motivation by fear and motivation by love has implications for Christian conduct. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, love to God is commanded and is the first great commandment, producing obedience to God and hatred of sin [4]. In contrast, fear can lead to bondage and is associated with punishment [1, 7].
Sources
- I John “I John 4:18 (BSB) — There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.”
- 2 Timothy “For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. -- 2 Timothy 1:7”
- 1 John “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love. -- 1 John 4:18”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Love to God — Commanded -- De 11:1; Jos 22:5. The first great commandment -- Mt 22:38. With all the heart -- De 6:5; Mt 22:37. Better than all sacrifices -- Mr 12:33. Produced by The Holy Spirit. -- Ga 5:22; 2Th 3:5. The love of God to us. -- 1Jo 4:19. Answers to prayer. -- Ps 116:1. Exhibited by Christ -- Joh 14:31. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 5:11. Should produce Joy. -- Ps 5:11. Love to saints. -- 1Jo 5:1. Hatred of sin. -- Ps 97:10. Obedience to God. -- De 30:20; 1Jo 5:3. Perfected in obedience -- 1Jo 2:5. Perfected, gives boldness -- 1Jo 4:17,18. God, faith”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 4:18: Fear has no place in love. Bold confidence (Jo1 4:17), based on love, cannot coexist with fear. Love, which, when perfected, gives bold confidence, casts out fear (compare Heb 2:14-15). The design of Christ's propitiatory death was to deliver from this bondage of fear. but--"nay" [ALFORD]. fear hath torment--Greek, "punishment." Fear is always revolving in the mind the punishment deserved [ESTIUS]. Fear, by anticipating punishment (through consciousness of deserving it), has it even now, that is, the foretaste of it. Perfect love is incompatible wi”
- 1 John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 John 4:18: There is no fear in love,.... In the love of the brethren; where that is, there is no fear: so far as that prevails and gains ground, fear removes; not the filial fear of God, the new covenant grace of fear, which is the beginning of wisdom, and is consistent with faith, hope, love, and spiritual joy; but either the fear of men, which brings a snare: those that truly love Christ, his Gospel, and his people, they are not afraid of men; the spirit of power, love, and of a sound mind, is opposite to a spirit of fear, nor can they stand together; and such strength there i”
- 1 John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 John 4:18: 4:18 perfect love expels all fear: As we live with Christ and grow more mature and complete in God’s love, we have confidence in facing the day of judgment, which will be terrifying for those who don’t know God (Acts 24:25; Rom 2:16). • Based on consciousness of guilt, fear anticipates a deserved punishment, producing dread that is itself a foretaste of that punishment. Christ died to set us free from this dread (Heb 2:14-15).”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 13:4: 13:4-7 This description of Christian love emphasizes the willingness to give up one’s own desires for the good of others (see also 8:1–10:33; Rom 5:6-8; 15:3; 2 Cor 8:9; Phil 2:4-8).”
- Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 5:22: 5:22 Unlike following the sinful nature (5:19-21), letting the Holy Spirit guide (5:16) produces a life pleasing to God, which human effort and the law cannot do (cp. John 15:1-8). • These virtues directly address the issues in the church of Galatia. • love: The greatest Christian virtue encompasses all the others (1 Cor 13:4-7). Only the Spirit of God can produce in us love for those who hate us (Matt 5:43-48; Luke 6:35-36). • Joy produced by the Spirit does not depend on circumstances (Rom 15:13; 2 Cor 6:10; 8:2; 1 Thes 1:6). • Peace with God creates internal”