What is the opposite of love? Some would say hate, but I believe it is fear.
There seem to be two camps in the battle for our culture at the moment: (1) If we are just nice, everybody else will be nice or (2) we must keep ourselves safe at all costs. The first is silly and the second invites self destruction. So what is the alternative?
God. God is the alternative. Our Creator, our Savior, our Guide is Love. God is love.*
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses human understanding—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3: 17b-19
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear expects punishment. 1 John 4:18
What would happen if we turned our back on the magic thinking that says we can find safety either in happy thoughts or strategic planning? What would happen if we asked God how to trust God at all times, in all places, in all circumstances? How would our lives change if we believed that the World's worst could harm only our bodies but God has pledged perfect safety for our souls if we but keep our eyes on God?
I do not suggest this is easy, but I do believe with all my heart that the journey is worthwhile, the journey to grow deeper in relationship with God, trusting God more, loving God more, living more like Jesus showed us in the life He lead. And knowing that, on our own, we could not dare even to attempt such a journey, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with us, teach us, guide us, sustain us, strengthen us and protect us.
My friend, I promise, God cares about you, knows your fears, anxieties, concerns and cares intimately about you and already has a plan for you, one of hope and not of fear. Start the conversation (prayer), keep talking (praying), learn more (read the Bible), gather with people who profess a relationship with God to learn with and from (find a church and/or a Bible Study group), give the "live like Jesus" idea a try (join a service project and practice kindness in small ways that God lays before you). I promise, you will be amazed!
*1 John 4:16
There seem to be two camps in the battle for our culture at the moment: (1) If we are just nice, everybody else will be nice or (2) we must keep ourselves safe at all costs. The first is silly and the second invites self destruction. So what is the alternative?
God. God is the alternative. Our Creator, our Savior, our Guide is Love. God is love.*
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses human understanding—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3: 17b-19
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear expects punishment. 1 John 4:18
What would happen if we turned our back on the magic thinking that says we can find safety either in happy thoughts or strategic planning? What would happen if we asked God how to trust God at all times, in all places, in all circumstances? How would our lives change if we believed that the World's worst could harm only our bodies but God has pledged perfect safety for our souls if we but keep our eyes on God?
I do not suggest this is easy, but I do believe with all my heart that the journey is worthwhile, the journey to grow deeper in relationship with God, trusting God more, loving God more, living more like Jesus showed us in the life He lead. And knowing that, on our own, we could not dare even to attempt such a journey, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with us, teach us, guide us, sustain us, strengthen us and protect us.
My friend, I promise, God cares about you, knows your fears, anxieties, concerns and cares intimately about you and already has a plan for you, one of hope and not of fear. Start the conversation (prayer), keep talking (praying), learn more (read the Bible), gather with people who profess a relationship with God to learn with and from (find a church and/or a Bible Study group), give the "live like Jesus" idea a try (join a service project and practice kindness in small ways that God lays before you). I promise, you will be amazed!
*1 John 4:16
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