“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)
God cares about you too much to leave you in any doubt about His love. The Bible says His “perfect love expels all fear”. If God loved us with an imperfect love we’d have cause to worry. Human love is flawed; it keeps a checklist of our sins and shortcomings — and consults it often. God keeps no such list. His love casts out our fear because it casts out our guilt. John writes, “If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart” (1 John 3:20).
When you feel unforgiven, question your feelings but don’t question God. Go back to His Word; it outranks self-criticism and self-doubt. Nothing fosters confidence like a clear grasp of God’s grace, and nothing fosters fear like ignorance of it. The fact is if you haven’t accepted God’s grace, you’re doomed to live in fear.
No pill, escape into reality shows, no politicians or politics, or earthly possessions can put your mind at ease. Those things may help to escape for a moment or numb your fear, but they can’t eradicate it. Only God’s grace can do that. Have you accepted Christ’s forgiveness? If not, get down on your knees and do it now.
The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us … and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). The place of confession is also the place of cleansing and restored confidence towards God.
Prayer
Father, I confess that I am sinful and in need of Your grace and forgiveness. Grant me Your peace and I move through my day, constantly reminding me that You are always with me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
