The Bible tells us to "Test everything: hold fast what is good" (1 Thess 5:21)
1 John 4:18 says that perfect love casts out fear. Over the years I’ve heard many people use this verse to say that since God loves us with a perfect love, there is no reason for us to fear God. But is that what this verse is saying?
In Revelation chapters 2-3, Jesus writes to seven churches. Several of these churches receive sharp rebukes and a command to repent or suffer serious consequences if they do not. The church at Philadelphia (3:7-13) is one of only two churches that Jesus doesn’t rebuke and call to repent.
In verse 8, Jesus tells these people, I know that you have but little power. This is not a rebuke. Jesus is simply acknowledging their condition. And even though they have little power he goes on to say, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Test Everything 