The Bible says God is love. The question is, how have we received and expressed His love? As we have the opportunity to confess with our mouths our faith in the LORD, we equally have the opportunity to express with our hearts the love and compassion of the LORD. It is love that God uses to replace fear; His love.
“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:15-19)”
RELEVANCE
Deep down, most fears are a response to some sort of guilt and shame. When a falsehood takes root, it causes us to think and act in some ways that ultimately make us feel condemned, then guilty, then ashamed. Knowing we are justified in Jesus the Messiah sets us free from the guilt of ALL sin, releasing us from fear, further setting our hearts and minds at peace. Through this trusting faith, we have access to the grace of God’s capacity, which is poured out in love by the Holy Spirit. This was a major message the apostle Paul endeavored to communicate.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our LORD Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2).
REFLECT AND RELATE
What things cause you to feel condemned or guilty? Meditate on how they connect to the things that make you feel ashamed or fearful. Ask God to help you receive His GRACE and love; which will cast out the fear and give you strength to press forward.
REFERENCES
Romans 5:1-5