"The fear of the LORD is the BEGINNING of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding" (Psalm 111:10)...But..."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).
As we grow in His love, we realize that we will not have the punishment due to us, because of His glorious sacrifice. So whom and what shall we fear? We will not have to fear. As we become perfected in and by His love, we lose the fear of punishment.
There will still be awe, stunning, beauty that leaves us speechless. Our respect for our glorious father shall increase, our understanding of our depravity will become clearer to us. But we shall not fear in the sense that we expect to be cast away. Do we deserve it? Absolutely. But we have access to the great, free gift of mercy. Thanks be to God!
Lord, You are so good. Why do You love me? I am so lowly and dirty. Yet You love me, You give me Your peace that surpasses understanding, and is everlasting. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. I am undeserving of all good and deserving of all punishment, yet, I receive goodness, love, blessings, kindness. You are good. You have given me good gifts. Thank You. You are glorious. You alone are worthy. Thank You for Your love.
With love, to Love,
in Your wonderful glorious name,
Amen.
Monday, September 19, 2011
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