Perfect Love

SCRIPTURE
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.
-1 John 4:18

(NLT) ...If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.

OBSERVATION

    "When we have an accurate understanding of the nature of our heavenly Father, we don't possess an unhealthy fear of Him; we don't have to jump through hoops to earn His love. The religion of fear will have no hold on us; and even when we sin, we can still crawl up into the lap of Father God and seek His love and forgiveness."

-Jack Frost, from Experiencing Father's Embrace, pages 59-60

God has been revealing to me how fearful the world is, and how controlled by it people are. They justify their actions based on it, trading security for freedom. But as the NLT so eloquently puts it, this shows that we have not fully experience [God's] perfect love.

This shows how much we need Him, and to surrender our lives, our security, our need for control over to Him. He is perfect love and it is only in Him can we truly have rest and peace. We do not need to be afraid, because His Grace and Mercy protects us.

APPLICATION
I need to have a holy fear of our Heavenly Father, and not be bound by religious fear. I need to live in a more accurate understanding of His perfect love; and help others understand it as well.

PRAYER
Oh gracious, good, and loving Heavenly Father,

    I am amazed at Your faithfulness, and how Your holy love is unconditional. I may be a sinner, but You will always forgive me and provides ways for me to be free from it so I can feel Your infinite embrace. May I share this unfailing love to the lost, and help them better understand who You are. May I make disciples of the nations while also representing Your love to those closest to me. You are my rock and my sure foundation. I only live to worship You.

Amen

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