Perfect Love Casts Out Fear - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

"Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father." And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.
Genesis 50:17

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
The lack of true knowledge of Joseph's heart, and the consequent lack of confidence in Joseph is revealed in the message that his brethren sent to him. And worse, they attempt to hide their own unbelief and mistrust of Joseph by pretending they are only carrying out the dying commands of Joseph's father. It is impossible to believe that Jacob left any such command. In total forgetfulness of Joseph's forgiveness of all their sad past, they now pray to be forgiven. In spite of all the manifested grace and love of Joseph, their uneasy conscience leads them to harbor the thought that Joseph still has something against them. And even so, if not living in nearness to Christ, if we have not made acquaintance with His heart, we may, through sin, failure, and a careless walk, still think, when conscience begins to work, that Christ is against us for something we have done and, like Joseph's brethren, ask for forgiveness. And yet, however great the failure of a true believer, Scripture never suggests that he should plead for forgiveness, as if that question were not fully and eternally settled, but rather he is exhorted to confess his sin that communion may be restored.

"As for you," Joseph can say, "you meant evil against me," but he can add, "Do not be afraid" (v. 20-21). He says, as it were, "I know all the evil of your hearts toward me, but there is nothing to fear, for there is nothing but love in my heart toward you." And thus once again he removes all fear as to the past and all anxiety as to the future, for he adds, "I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus it was "he comforted them and spoke kindly to them." Perfect love casts out all fear (1 Jn. 4:18).

Hamilton Smith