1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”
Take a look at the following two statements:
“I messed up. My Dad is going to kill me.”
“I messed up. I need to call my Dad.”
You’ll notice that the first statement embodies a relationship that’s based on fear, whereas the latter statement emphasizes one of love.
Most religions are based on the understanding that you must do X, Y, and Z or you’ll face the consequences. That is 100% based on fear and not on love. However, a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is based on the truth that all of us have fallen short (Romans 3:23). Yet, the Lord took our punishment on Himself because of His abundant love for us (Romans 5:8).
We no longer have to live in fear of judgment because of our past sins. The Lord has wiped our past clean and covered us with His righteousness. We are now free to have a pure relationship with our Savior based on love and reverence towards Him.
The next time you feel consumed by fear or worry, remember Who loves you. Put your faith in the One who loved you so much that He gave His very life for you. When you love the Lord with all your heart and soul and strength (Matthew 22:37), you are living in obedience to His will. He will help you overcome your fears and live courageously with the faith that your Father in Heaven is watching out for you.
