1st John 4:18 (NIV)
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.
I was considering how fear rules our lives. In so many ways, our motivations come from being afraid. Afraid of not being heard. Of being hurt. Of trying something new. Of meeting new people.
The above verse from 1 John can seem simplistic until we really understand that God is love. In the above verse replace the word love with God. God has never known fear. And as far as punishment goes…
Remember when you did something that caused your parents to punish you? If you were in a truly loving relationship with your parents, it was because they were training you to live without them. That is not true punishment, but an expression of love.
To be made perfect in love is to understand that there is no need to fear when we contain the power of God within us. Hang on.
If we really and truly understand the power that is within us-it does not come from us as we are human and cannot contain it. It comes from God. It is not limited by what family we were born into, or our human abilities. It is available on an eternal scale. Always. And when we feel fear creep in, if we truly believe and understand this power is ours, then we let the fear fade and allow God to envelope us. His love.
What if instead of thinking how afraid we are in certain situations, we draw on that eternal power of knowing that we are truly loved.
But why would God allow an emotion like fear in the first place?
So that we can learn to release it and know what it’s like to conquer from a place of power whose origin is not human. Then we begin to understand the true power of God and our place in His heart. Then we understand our value. Our purpose. His love for us. And why He sacrificed His Son for us.
Courage:
noun
the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.
So yes, courage is a part of this training.
Facing uncertain times and situations without fear takes practice.
It’s called faith.
Every time we do a new thing, encounter new people, or face new challenges, we are given the opportunity to step out on faith. Be courageous. Draw on the power of God. Of Love.
Each day we are given an opportunity to show the world what courage looks like.
Take some time to read 1 John 4:7-21.
Don’t be scared. Be empowered.
You are loved.
Blessings!
Sharon
Faithfully Fit 