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God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In
this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence
on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 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 4:16-18)
How many of us live fearing God's punishment on a regular basis? If we
do, we have not yet understood the amazing manner in which we are loved.
We still believe that Christianity is about following the rules. It is
not.
God wants our lives to be shaped by the wonders of his mercy (he doesn't
give us the punishment we deserve) and his grace (instead, he gives us
the love we don't deserve). If we understood how completely we are loved
in Christ, our gratitude would birth in us the kind of thoughts, words
and deeds that are free from the threat of punishment anyway -- for that
is how it will all end up.
Under the shadow of His wings,
Mike
eDevotions written by Mike Sares. © 2005. |
