1 John 4:18 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.
“Fear and love can never be experienced at the same time. It is always our choice as to which of these emotions we want.”— Gerald Jampolsky.
Fear and love cannot co-exist. The difference between religion and relationship is that religiosity is driven by the fear of punishment but relationship is defined by reverence, respect and reverie. Many live under the misconception that God the Father is an unibrowed librarian or a stern merciless judge who is waiting to whack our backs every time we slip or stumble. This misapprehension of the nature of God drives us far away from Him. Adam and Eve hid from God when they sinned. Then the man and his wife heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the breeze of the day, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God. (Genesis 3:8). Sin incarcerates us with stigma and fear. Fear of being condemned and ostracized makes us run away from God. If we understand that He is a loving Father waiting to nurse our wounds and restore us every time we fall, we will run to Him and not run from Him. Love accentuates the nature of God. He is a judge to the wicked but a loving Father to the weak. His tender love does not reprimand but restores a repentant sinner.
Love and fear do not co-exist:
1. Freedom: Love liberates but fear cripples. When you fall over and over into the same shameful sin, don’t let stigma chain you. God is still waiting with open arms to welcome us, wash away our disgrace and restore our joy. Remember He is a judge to the wicked, callous and arrogant not the addict, adulterer and sinner. A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise.(Psalm 51:17b). Love sets us free from condemnation.
- Fervor: Jesus met Peter at the Lake of Gennesaret and performed a mindboggling miracle. Jesus the carpenter gave Peter, an experienced fishermen, an instruction to go into the deep and let down his nets. The nets that were empty all night were filled with fish in the morning. However, Peter “fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8b). He was stung with the stigma of sin and shame. Jesus instead of ostracizing the sinner, filled him with incredible fervor to follow Him. Sin grips us with fear but Love inundates us with Godly fervor.
- Foresight: Love fills us with hope about the future but fear grips us with despondency. We will never be able to believe any of the promises of God unless we understand that He loves us passionately. God’s love for us and our love for Him enlightens us with futuristic foresight.
Fear imprisons but love inculcates reverential relationship with the Saviour.
James 2:13a Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Prayer: Father Divine, coach me to understand your love more and more to enjoy intimacy with you. Amen.
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