NO FEAR IN LOVE
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 (KJV)
I recall one of the images of God that most Christians identify with: A big guy up there with a mighty cane, ready to hit you at the slightest provocation”. So it was easier to be afraid of God than to love Him. People look forward to the coming of Jesus with fear because of the thought that He is coming to judge and what do judges do? They punish. Many have related with God with such fear for so long, but today, I will come to reveal to you the God, whose very essence is love and in whose there is no fear.
Our scripture for today says that there is no fear in love. Did you see that? There is ABSOLUTELY NO FEAR in love, rather perfect love CASTS OUT FEAR. In other words, fear cannot be where love is. Fear cannot operate at the same time as love.
Since we are supposed to radiate this same love of God in our homes, then parents, you need to learn to relate with your children in such a manner that your presence does not elicit fear in them. It is interesting how many children run at the appearance of their parents, particularly their fathers. This is not the love of God. The love of God does not have any iota of fear. What His love does is drive away fear. So, when you understand the love of God, even when you make a mistake, you run to Him and not from Him. He is open to receiving you despite all you have done because of the finished work on Calvary. Jesus paid the full price so there is nothing left for you to pay. That is why the writer of Hebrews said, “let us come boldly before the throne of grace…”. Love brings boldness, love brings warmth, love, magnetizes, and never repels.
Everywhere you go, decide to radiate this love of God to your world. Let people see His love flow through you unhindered to the world around you because you are His Ambassador.
Further Reading: 1 John 4:17 – 21
Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Leviticus 1-3; Evening- Matthew 24:1-28
