Matthew 7:8
May 13, 2024
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 13 MAY
May 13, 2024
THE 13TH OF MAY
IN LOVE THERE IS NO PUNISHMENT, SO THERE IS NO FEAR
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. – 1 John 4:18
If we allow fear, anxiety and worry to fill in our brains and then our hearts, we will exhaust the capacity God created us with to be creative, dream and have the courage into stepping out of the boat of our comfort zone and be able to walk on the supernatural water.
There is no dread, fear or anxiety in love. They exclude one another. Perfect, complete love “drives out fear.” In verse 17 (for more, you may see the 12th of May devotional), we read that when love comes to perfection in us, we have complete confidence in our salvation and that makes us bolder. Punishment brings fear, but when we know that there is no punishment for us, because we have Jesus’ righteousness, it means we “reached the full maturity of love.”
It is natural to fear suffering, but because of love, we are ready to suffer for whom or what we love. When we love Jesus more than our own life, we overcome fear. We should have only one true fear and that is the holy, healthy fear of the Lord. The fear that God requires from His children is not to be afraid of Him, but to have high respect and veneration for Him. The more we love Him, the less we desire to sin; the more we want to obey and please God, the less fearful we are.
SUGGESTED PRAYER:
Glory and honor to Your holy Name dear Lord, for Your perfect love that continues to grow in me since I became Your child. Thank You that Your blood washed away my sin and I have Your righteousness by faith in You. Thank You for the boldness I have because of loving You and for not being a slave to fear anymore. You are my strength and my delight! In You I have it all! Please help me to always obey You and do Your will! Thank You and praise You forever and ever. Amen
Source: thetruthstandsforever
