I John 4:18-19

What we are seeing here, in very simple terms, is probably the major reason (other than the fact that mankind is cut off from God) why we do not love more and better: We are afraid. We are afraid it is going to cost us something. We are afraid we are going to get hurt. We are afraid we are going to lose something. We are afraid we are going to be humbled. We are afraid we are going to look bad. We are afraid our neighbors will not accept us. We are afraid we are going to be rejected. We are afraid we are going to be put down. "Fear involves torment."

Do you know why there is no fear in perfect love? Because there is perfect trust. Think about that. Think about a good marriage. The mates do not fear that the other is going to run off on them, do they? Of course not. They trust one another. You see, this perfect trust is something that is developed by abiding in the relationship. Here is scriptural proof (verse 19) that this kind of love does not come naturally. It is only in anybody because God initiated it and is also the prime mover in maintaining it.