I John 4:18a “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”

Fear is Satan’s favorite weapon. He uses fear to keep the sinner from crying out to Jesus by convincing him he is “too bad” or has done something that is “unforgiveable”. He uses it to keep distracted believers from coming back for fear of what others will think or what they might say. He uses it to keep believers from stepping out on what God has called them to do by casting doubt and worry about consequences all around them. Fear of consequences or fear of letting parents down is what causes children to instantly respond with an untruth when confronted about something they have done wrong. There is only one perfect love…God’s love. Agape love. Unconditional love. Sinners didn’t run from Jesus but rather ran to him…why? Because they knew they would find love and forgiveness and not condemnation with him. Many people fear ‘church’ and Christians because they have yet to see Jesus’ love manifested in our lives. They have been looked down on, condemned, or ignored. When we fall, Jesus picks us up. When we can exhibit the love of Jesus in our lives, people will come to us and not be fearful of what we have to share.

Prayer: “Heavenly Father, help me to not allow fear to stop me from being all you have called me to be and to do all that you have called me to do. I trust in your love for me, the love that Jesus showed when he went to the cross for me. I trust you will not turn me away when I fail, I trust you will not turn away if I’m not perfect. Teach me to show others the love your son has shown me. In Jesus’ matchless name I pray - Amen.”