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We
have a medium sized dog we call "Oreo." He was named for the cookie because
as a pup, his black and white coloring reminded me of that nemesis of weight control.
He is a very friendly dog to a fault. He wants to be next to people so bad
that he can be a little bit of a nuisance.
We have been
training him for several months. He is a smart dog and learns very quickly.
We seldom physically discipline him. Most of the time nothing more
than a stern word is necessary. Once in a while he may get a bump on the
nose for jumping up on someone. We don't want him to fear so that he ever wants
to run from us. We are only trying to teach him that some actions will cause
him discomfort.
The way God handles us is similar.
When you trusted the payment Christ made for your sins, fear of God's punishment
was removed. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear,
because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." (I
John 4:18)
You and I don't have to be afraid of
God. He will, however, try to "train" us to be more like Jesus. Many
sins carry inherent consequences. A true fear of God is a deep reverence and respect
that knows how great God is and how small we are. The Heavenly Father loves
you, and trusting His perfect love will cast out your fear!
All Scripture references are from the New American Standard
Version unless otherwise noted.
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Love's Fearlessness
