Made for Love - Fearless, Day 30!

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. 

1 John 4:18

Most good stories revolve around a character that you come to care about overcoming conflict in pursuit of something that they truly desire. That something is—more often than not—love, because we instinctively know we were made for love!

Over the last 30 days, we’ve looked at the biblical remedy to fear. Over and over, we’ve heard the same thing said in different ways. I don’t need to fear because I am deeply loved by the omnipotent God of the Universe. His powerful presence and perfect love drive out all fear! Sadly, many relate to God out of a legalistic attempt to escape punishment. This approach misses the whole mission of Jesus Christ and the cross. He took the punishment for any who will receive Him. Fear of punishment was never to be the nature of our relationship with Father. It is to begin and end with love. And, when the Almighty loves you, you don’t need to fear!

The greatest security available to us is the faithful love of our God. So, the most direct path to fearlessness is the one that leads to close, intimate fellowship with the Father. Press in. Seek His presence. Listen for His voice and follow closely. You’ll be amazed at how His love drives out all fear!

For Reflection: How do you most naturally envision and approach God: loving Father or angry Judge? Think of the most loving person you’ve ever known. Now, recognize the truth that God loves you infinitely more perfectly than any person ever could. How does that recognition impact your approach to Him?

Father, I thank You for loving me enough to give Your life for me. Please forgive the times I distort Your image by assuming that You love like we do. Your love is perfect because Your very nature is love! Help me to trust You enough to press in and experience new dimensions of Your faithfulness! Let Your perfect love drive out all my fear!