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
More than one hundred years ago the atheist philosopher Nietzsche reproached a group of Christians: “Yuck, you make me sick!” When their spokesman asked why, he answered, “Because you redeemed don’t look like you’re redeemed. You’re as fearful, guilt-ridden, anxious, confused, and adrift in an alien environment as I am. I’m allowed. I don’t believe. I have nothing to hope for. But you people claim you have a Savior. Why don’t you look like you are saved?”
If perfect love drives out all fear and we are loved perfectly by The Creator of all things who holds the universe in the palm of His hand, then why are most Christians filled with anxiety, pessimism and fear? It’s not a deficiency with God’s love toward us, it is a problem with our understanding of His love.
When we are able to grasp the depth and width and infinite nature of His love for us then fear and uncertainty melt away. The God of the universe loved you so much that He died for you! Let’s be real. You and I don’t deserve the death of anyone much less God! Yet He chose to die for you because of His incredible love for you. If He was willing to do that then how can we dare to doubt Him in our day-to-day needs? Would He die for you and then refuse to feed your family? Would He die for you and then turn His back when you are hurting or sorrowful? Would He die for you and then refuse to speak when you need answers? HE LOVES YOU! THE GOD OF ALL THINGS LOVES YOU! Let that sink in for a minute.
Do you know why He loves you? It is not for anything you have done or will ever do for Him. He loves you because He has chosen to. “But God shows His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Stop trying to measure up. You never will. Don’t try to understand why He loves you. It’s irrational. Just allow yourself to become consumed with thoughts of His love toward you. And as you do fear will melt away.
Have a fearless day,
Pastor Jonathan
