“God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.  Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world.  There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.  We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:16-19)

     God has made it possible for us to cast out fear when we put our faith in him.  There are “healthy fears” that we all should be aware of, not putting ourselves at high risk in our daily lives, but the fear that John is pointing out is the fear on this “day of judgement,” wondering how we will be judged and how severely.  The truth is that none of us are worthy, but through his sacrifice on the cross, Jesus is the atonement for our sins.  We just have to take that leap of faith, giving our hearts to Jesus, knowing that God keeps his promises.  This is when nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39)

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for casting out fear in my life.  I am confident of your love, and I pray for those who have not yet given their hearts to you, that they may realize the depths of your love.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.