BLOG: There are certain things about life that can be terrifying. A bad report from the doctor. The IRS. A failing business. A broken marriage and family. All of these things and more can cause a great deal of fear.
First of all, let's understand this. Feeling afraid isn't a sin. I know that we have this ideal picture of fearless faith. That somehow we can be exempt from feeling it, never going to happen.
Faith has to face fear to work.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
There is no fear in love. Love builds a relationship of trust. Love isn't out to "get you" or destroy you. Love, in your most horrific moments, will never abandon you or give up on you.
Perfect love casts out fear. The idea isn't flawless perfection, but completion or accomplishment. When we allow Christ to do His work of love in our hearts, fear will no longer have a foothold. Even if it can do, it's worst - love will always conquer.
For fear has to do with punishment, We all deserve punishment. Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. If we are terrified of God, it's because we deserve it. Hell and eternal separation from God scares us, and it should. We deserve it.
Whoever fears has not been perfected in love. Or in other words, we haven't allowed love to do its job. So which comes first the chicken or the egg? Do you trust love, or do you trust before you love?
Faith commits to love - regardless. God promises never to fail you. He promises to do a good work in your life, and He promises to love you. The question is, will you let His love change you?
PRAY: Dear Jesus, please let Your love change me. AMEN
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