1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

(v18, NIV)

Upon reading this my first reaction is to object and bring up the fear of the Lord. We are to fear God. However, this is not the same thing. The fear John is talking about in this passage is fear of punishment. The day of judgment is referenced in the previous verse. As children of God who have fellowship with him, we abide in him and he abides in us. In this love that has been made complete, there is no fear. The perfection and completion of this love drives out fear. It's the picture of driving something out of the house that is unwanted. Love drives out the unwanted fear that resides in the house. This fear is fear of punishment. This fear that resides in some is fear of punishment on the judgment day. However, if love is made complete in us, we will have confidence and not fear on the day of judgment. Perfect love drives out fear.