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 NIV
If you have loved, you have also experienced hurt, and the anticipation of the hurt is fear. This situation is true whether it's the love of a partner, friend, or pet. We fear that some event will occur that fractures this relationship. Unfortunately, for some, the fear of the potential hurt outweighs their ability to accept love.
Why the friction between love and fear? If we experience love only through human understanding, we fail to understand love's full potential. To overcome the fear, we must first open ourselves to the expansiveness of God's love. He loves us so much that he sent Jesus to heal the fractured relationship that man created, and He does this not because we are deserving but purely from His grace. When we accept Him, we begin to look at love through the lens of the Holy Spirit, and our love becomes more perfect. More perfect in our love for God and each other.
Loving God, we give thanks for your grace. Expel the fears created by our imperfect knowledge of human love, and replace them with your perfect love. Embracing its fullness, help us to share it with others so that they may see your glory. In the name of Christ Jesus, our Savior, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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