At times I struggle with the fear of God, doubts, my worthiness (how could God possibly love me?) and what that really means. I don't have doubts about my beliefs or faith, but doubts about do I believe enough or am I doing enough (and I am not going down the path of God's grace and our good works). I also have doubts about judgment day. Anyway I was recently reading 1 John 4 and just got so encouraged, it was like a light for me.
15If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 16And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18There 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.
I believe God is love and perfect love will drive out fear and God and His love are certainly perfect. You also know I can't (for some reason) just stop there. I found a commentary from Mathew Henry that described it this way.
"There must be a day of universal judgment. Happy those who shall have holy boldness before the Judge at that day; knowing he is their Friend and Advocate! Happy those who have holy boldness in the prospect of that day, who look and wait for it, and for the Judge's appearance! True love to God assures believers of God's love to them. Love teaches us to suffer for him and with him; therefore we may trust that we shall also be glorified with him, 2Ti 2:12. We must distinguish between the fear of God and being afraid of him; the fear of God imports high regard and veneration for God. Obedience and good works, done from the principle of love, are not like the servile toil of one who unwillingly labors from dread of a master's anger. They are like that of a dutiful child, who does services to a beloved father, which benefit his brethren, and are done willingly. It is a sign that our love is far from perfect, when our doubts, fears, and apprehensions of God, are many. Let heaven and earth stand amazed at his love. He sent his word to invite sinners to partake of this great salvation. Let them take the comfort of the happy change wrought in them, while they give him the glory. The love of God in Christ, in the hearts of Christians from the Spirit of adoption, is the great proof of conversion."
I know my love is far from perfect, but I do know I have a friend and advocate in Christ and we can all take comfort in God's perfect love. "If we endure" and work through all our doubts, fears and temptations, God's love will be there for us. Just think...Holy Boldness again. I hope you all have a great day!
Father, heaven and earth do stand amazed at Your love and I do too!
Grace and Peace!
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