No Fear in Love
Matthew Barnett tweeted this awesome quote today and it stirred my heart. You can’t fear what you choose to love. Where have I heard this before? Why can’t I shake it out of my mind?
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)
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…
While this verse is reflecting on our fear of judgement from God, we have no reason to fear God’s judgement because of his perfect love through Jesus; I wonder if we could apply it to the lives of those that feel unloved yet we encounter each and every day?
The man or woman holding a sign… desperate for more than money. Chances are he isn’t going to car jack you. Give him love.
The teenage girl who has a hole in her heart and looking to fill it in all the destructive ways possible. Take a chance and become a mentor… give her love.
My friend Brenda (check out her blog… it’s good!) shared an amazing encounter on Facebook today. Her love for a woman unknown to her. A stranger holding a sign and looking for money.
My friend boldly grasps the concept of loving beyond fear, steps out of the security of her car and gives this stranger more than money… she gave her love.
Fearless Love
What are the possibilities for world transformation if we simply loved people beyond our fear?
Perfect love drives out fear.
Perfect love lives beyond its self.
Perfect love is generous beyond its reasonable capabilities.
Perfect love is not something you do once, but is something that becomes a part of who you are.
Perfect love may is just be what the world needs.
Your school, job, family, neighborhood (insert your own noun) needs it.
As I daydream about how perfect love might change how we live today, I’m reminded of those that loved me perfectly.
My mom who worked 2-3 jobs to support me as a young child in a single family home.
My pastors who dealt with a spiritually and emotionally immature boy and helped me become a man after God’s heart.
My wife who continues to stand by my side even with all my imperfections.
Who I am today is because of the perfect love of the people who have crossed my path and stood by my side believing in me when I couldn’t believe in myself.
That’s the power of perfect love.
Stepping out in love is a little scary, but if we are obedient it is so rewarding and we never know how God will use it.