Also, as a note - I see the Bible as a love story. I think about how everything in it points to how much God loves us; all the parts where He comforts and all the parts where He disciplines just the same.
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Definition of Fear:
1. a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid. Synonyms: foreboding, apprehension, consternation, dismay, dread, terror, fright, panic, horror, trepidation, qualm. Antonyms: courage, security, calm, intrepidity.
2. a specific instance of or propensity for such a feeling: an abnormal fear of heights. Synonyms: phobia, aversion; bête noire, bogy, bogey, bugbear. Antonyms: liking, fondness, penchant, predilection.
3. concern or anxiety; solicitude: a fear for someone's safety.
4. reverential awe, especially toward God: the fear of God. Synonyms: awe, respect, reverence, veneration.
5. something that causes feelings of dread or apprehension; something a person is afraid of: Cancer is a common fear.
Definition of Fearsome:
1. causing fear.
2. causing awe or respect.
I included the definition of Fear above to give you background and to be fair. I don't want it to seem like when I define a term, that I limit it to only the "God" definition. In most cases that is what applies to the topics best, however sometimes various definitions of words can reveal how that word has evolved over time. Over time, words might take on a completely different meaning through culture's influence.
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Now that we have that out of the way, let's consider the fearsome love of God for us and how perfect love casts out fear.
John 3:16-18
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."
I start here because it is the first thing that comes to mind. John 3:16 tells us plainly that God loves the world. The result of this Love is a decision to send His one and only Son into the world to save. Whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life. Whoever does not believe in Jesus stands condemned.
Let's make something clear: God's love is not conditional, it is unconditional. This verse is not saying that God only loves those who believe in Christ. No, God loves all people. This is the message of hope, that God loved the world (everyone in it) so much that He provided everyone hope through Jesus Christ. Because of God's nature, He exists without time. So as a side effect of being God, He already knows who will be saved and who will not.
This is a difficult truth, and it is not widely accepted anymore (the part about if you do not believe in Jesus, you stand condemned). Anyway, that's a side-note right now. The point is this: today, God loves everyone everywhere in the world. He loves everyone enough to offer them salvation through Jesus. Witness this message and boldly share it with love!
1 John 3:16-18
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
This is amazing! In John 3:16 there's a love verse - then in 1 John 3:16 it's another love verse! How do we know what love is? "Jesus Christ laid down his life for us." That is how we know. It's right here in the Bible. We should lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, children and parents. Jesus had been given all authority on heaven and on earth and He laid it down so that we could be saved through Him. Who are we to say that we are entitled to something more? Who are we to not follow suit with our lives and lay them down for Christ!? This is one of those verses that truly says it all. Laying down our lives implies that we are taking right action to love others; meeting their needs as we see them and can do so. The early church would share all of their possessions that none were left wanting! None were left wanting because everyone shared all that they had. Everyone. My opinion is that churches today have a great opportunity to show others the love of Christ by laying down their lives in this way for one another as needs are revealed. Others will notice this and they could turn to the Lord and praise Him because of it! That's not a bad side-effect of showing love...it's wonderfully amazing!
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."
I start here because it is the first thing that comes to mind. John 3:16 tells us plainly that God loves the world. The result of this Love is a decision to send His one and only Son into the world to save. Whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life. Whoever does not believe in Jesus stands condemned.
Let's make something clear: God's love is not conditional, it is unconditional. This verse is not saying that God only loves those who believe in Christ. No, God loves all people. This is the message of hope, that God loved the world (everyone in it) so much that He provided everyone hope through Jesus Christ. Because of God's nature, He exists without time. So as a side effect of being God, He already knows who will be saved and who will not.
This is a difficult truth, and it is not widely accepted anymore (the part about if you do not believe in Jesus, you stand condemned). Anyway, that's a side-note right now. The point is this: today, God loves everyone everywhere in the world. He loves everyone enough to offer them salvation through Jesus. Witness this message and boldly share it with love!
1 John 3:16-18
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
This is amazing! In John 3:16 there's a love verse - then in 1 John 3:16 it's another love verse! How do we know what love is? "Jesus Christ laid down his life for us." That is how we know. It's right here in the Bible. We should lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, children and parents. Jesus had been given all authority on heaven and on earth and He laid it down so that we could be saved through Him. Who are we to say that we are entitled to something more? Who are we to not follow suit with our lives and lay them down for Christ!? This is one of those verses that truly says it all. Laying down our lives implies that we are taking right action to love others; meeting their needs as we see them and can do so. The early church would share all of their possessions that none were left wanting! None were left wanting because everyone shared all that they had. Everyone. My opinion is that churches today have a great opportunity to show others the love of Christ by laying down their lives in this way for one another as needs are revealed. Others will notice this and they could turn to the Lord and praise Him because of it! That's not a bad side-effect of showing love...it's wonderfully amazing!
1 John 4:15-18
"Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in
him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God
has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and
God in him.
17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness
in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear
involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."
Along with the confession for Jesus, we are offered a union - a new covenant in the blood of Christ (Luke 22:20). Then we see the use of a very powerful word - "abide."
The definition of abide as it relates to this context is as follows:
1. To remain; continue; stay; Abide with me.
2. To have one's abode; dwell; reside;
3. To continue in a particular condition, attitude, or relationship; last
If we use the definition, we should do things like "remain in love" and "remain in God" in order to abide in God. This verse changes how we can relate to love. It implies that we can only relate to love through being with God - because God is love. What do we have to go on to love if we do not know God? How is it that God abides in us?
The answer is the Holy Spirit. Jesus thought it was necessary for Him to return to heaven so that the Holy Spirit could come. Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection from the dead and returning to heaven unlocked the ability for the Holy Spirit to come into our hearts and "have His abode" in us. God now dwells within us and has made His home with us. The Holy Spirit is like God wrapping His arms around you never to let go again. He seals you in Christ to share in the love relationship that He experiences in relationship with Himself as the Trinity. That's right - you, me, and all those who believe have been brought in to share in a perfect love relationship in God's midst that casts out all fear. We have nothing to fear because if God is with us, then who can be against us? (Romans 8:31-32)
We see in this verse fear placed up against boldness. How has love been perfected in us? (Verse 17 says) "That we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world." When fear exists, boldness usually does not. Panic may parade as courage when we are afraid, however boldness is something grounded that stands firm in the face of any adversary or falsehood. It's as if courage and faith collided at the command of the Holy Spirit in your heart to create right action and right words.
Along with the confession for Jesus, we are offered a union - a new covenant in the blood of Christ (Luke 22:20). Then we see the use of a very powerful word - "abide."
The definition of abide as it relates to this context is as follows:
1. To remain; continue; stay; Abide with me.
2. To have one's abode; dwell; reside;
3. To continue in a particular condition, attitude, or relationship; last
If we use the definition, we should do things like "remain in love" and "remain in God" in order to abide in God. This verse changes how we can relate to love. It implies that we can only relate to love through being with God - because God is love. What do we have to go on to love if we do not know God? How is it that God abides in us?
The answer is the Holy Spirit. Jesus thought it was necessary for Him to return to heaven so that the Holy Spirit could come. Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection from the dead and returning to heaven unlocked the ability for the Holy Spirit to come into our hearts and "have His abode" in us. God now dwells within us and has made His home with us. The Holy Spirit is like God wrapping His arms around you never to let go again. He seals you in Christ to share in the love relationship that He experiences in relationship with Himself as the Trinity. That's right - you, me, and all those who believe have been brought in to share in a perfect love relationship in God's midst that casts out all fear. We have nothing to fear because if God is with us, then who can be against us? (Romans 8:31-32)
We see in this verse fear placed up against boldness. How has love been perfected in us? (Verse 17 says) "That we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world." When fear exists, boldness usually does not. Panic may parade as courage when we are afraid, however boldness is something grounded that stands firm in the face of any adversary or falsehood. It's as if courage and faith collided at the command of the Holy Spirit in your heart to create right action and right words.
Psalm 111:10
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise."
Flipping the Script on "Fear"
Above in 1 John 4:15-18, we saw a reference to love casting out a type of fear. That type of fear is different than the fear mentioned in Psalm 111:10. This verse mentions the "fear of the Lord" which absolutely continues to exist in a love relationship with God. This is a vital point I want to make with regards to loving God. In our relationship with God, fear of the Lord is right, good, and necessary. If we are not experiencing "the fear of the Lord" then we are not seeing the Lord for who He fully is. There's something about God that is separate, other, and awesome even though He has made His home with us in sending the Holy Spirit. So do not be afraid, but fear the Lord and seek wisdom from Him.
This holy fear of the Lord is what drives reverence and awe. These are right responses to the present and miraculous God who IS. In Christ our relationship with God is repaired, so we are able to enter into His presence without the "fear of wrath." An appropriate term to describe God then would be the terribly overused word, "Awesome."
Delighting in the Word / Lord - a product of true love relationship with God
It would haunt me if I failed to mention that people are created to "delight in the Lord."
Psalm 119:92-94
"If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts."
Delighting in the Lord requires fellowship. This fellowship with God can take many different forms. It can happen in bible study or devotions, it can happen while dancing or singing, playing piano or guitar, or it can happen on a basketball court or baseball diamond. Do not make the mistake that God is a stranger to the desires that He placed in your heart. We all connect with God in a customized way. The thing is, the way that we connect with Him is customized by Him...and part of the customization is that we delight in the Lord. God is not looking for the person who truly loves music to quit that and go on retreat and give everything up except for meditation. Don't get me wrong, a person can do that and can connect with God as well! However, these kind of things are not the only ways to connect and fellowship with God. Trust me, God is not nearly confined that much. Part of "offering our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1) is figuring out these kind of things for us. I definitely believe there is truth to the idea that you can feel God's pleasure when you are doing some of these kinds of things: the things He designed for your delight in Him, and His delight in you.
Bearing Fruit - product of love relationship with God
Finally, experiencing God's fearsome love and sharing that kind of love with others produces "fruit." Remaining in the love of Christ keeps us connected to the true vine. Our obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit is also a way that we remain in Christ's love. The Spirit is ever etching God's law on our hearts just as fast as we can handle it. This is simply to say that we are being led by God in the way we should live our lives. Believers in Christ are not directionless, and are not alone. We have Christ as the head of the church, and the Holy Spirit constantly working with us to shape our hearts and renew our minds to live accordingly. All this is happening in the midst of a love relationship. Without the fearsome love of God, none of this could happen.
Another take on love - written to the Corinthians by Paul
1 Corinthians 13 paints love as the foundation for all other effort for Christ. Take a look:
"If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
I'm not going to critique these verses closely, because I feel that has been fairly overdone. Let me say though, that it has been overdone for a good reason; that is, that these verses are about love being a kind of foundation for all that we offer in this life to each other. If you do anything and do not have love, you might as well do nothing. Actually, doing nothing might be better than doing lots of things without love. The words in 1 Corinthians say it much better than I can.
The million dollar question then is, "How then should we live"?
See God for who He is. He is our all in all in Christ. We are loved without condition, by the God who makes it possible to love without condition. This kind of love is what we should be communicating to others through our lives. We sacrifice because Christ sacrificed and our hope is in Him alone. That is the example He showed us in washing the disciples feet and serving them. We are compelled to follow that example not because we fear the wrath of God, but because we recognize that we are loved in a miraculous, crazy way.
Become vulnerable and lay down your life at the feet of Jesus. Experience the fearsome love of Christ.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise."
Flipping the Script on "Fear"
Above in 1 John 4:15-18, we saw a reference to love casting out a type of fear. That type of fear is different than the fear mentioned in Psalm 111:10. This verse mentions the "fear of the Lord" which absolutely continues to exist in a love relationship with God. This is a vital point I want to make with regards to loving God. In our relationship with God, fear of the Lord is right, good, and necessary. If we are not experiencing "the fear of the Lord" then we are not seeing the Lord for who He fully is. There's something about God that is separate, other, and awesome even though He has made His home with us in sending the Holy Spirit. So do not be afraid, but fear the Lord and seek wisdom from Him.
This holy fear of the Lord is what drives reverence and awe. These are right responses to the present and miraculous God who IS. In Christ our relationship with God is repaired, so we are able to enter into His presence without the "fear of wrath." An appropriate term to describe God then would be the terribly overused word, "Awesome."
Delighting in the Word / Lord - a product of true love relationship with God
It would haunt me if I failed to mention that people are created to "delight in the Lord."
Psalm 119:92-94
"If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts."
Delighting in the Lord requires fellowship. This fellowship with God can take many different forms. It can happen in bible study or devotions, it can happen while dancing or singing, playing piano or guitar, or it can happen on a basketball court or baseball diamond. Do not make the mistake that God is a stranger to the desires that He placed in your heart. We all connect with God in a customized way. The thing is, the way that we connect with Him is customized by Him...and part of the customization is that we delight in the Lord. God is not looking for the person who truly loves music to quit that and go on retreat and give everything up except for meditation. Don't get me wrong, a person can do that and can connect with God as well! However, these kind of things are not the only ways to connect and fellowship with God. Trust me, God is not nearly confined that much. Part of "offering our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1) is figuring out these kind of things for us. I definitely believe there is truth to the idea that you can feel God's pleasure when you are doing some of these kinds of things: the things He designed for your delight in Him, and His delight in you.
Bearing Fruit - product of love relationship with God
Finally, experiencing God's fearsome love and sharing that kind of love with others produces "fruit." Remaining in the love of Christ keeps us connected to the true vine. Our obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit is also a way that we remain in Christ's love. The Spirit is ever etching God's law on our hearts just as fast as we can handle it. This is simply to say that we are being led by God in the way we should live our lives. Believers in Christ are not directionless, and are not alone. We have Christ as the head of the church, and the Holy Spirit constantly working with us to shape our hearts and renew our minds to live accordingly. All this is happening in the midst of a love relationship. Without the fearsome love of God, none of this could happen.
Another take on love - written to the Corinthians by Paul
1 Corinthians 13 paints love as the foundation for all other effort for Christ. Take a look:
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
I'm not going to critique these verses closely, because I feel that has been fairly overdone. Let me say though, that it has been overdone for a good reason; that is, that these verses are about love being a kind of foundation for all that we offer in this life to each other. If you do anything and do not have love, you might as well do nothing. Actually, doing nothing might be better than doing lots of things without love. The words in 1 Corinthians say it much better than I can.
The million dollar question then is, "How then should we live"?
See God for who He is. He is our all in all in Christ. We are loved without condition, by the God who makes it possible to love without condition. This kind of love is what we should be communicating to others through our lives. We sacrifice because Christ sacrificed and our hope is in Him alone. That is the example He showed us in washing the disciples feet and serving them. We are compelled to follow that example not because we fear the wrath of God, but because we recognize that we are loved in a miraculous, crazy way.
Become vulnerable and lay down your life at the feet of Jesus. Experience the fearsome love of Christ.
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