Today : Perfect Love, No Fear
TODAY’S VERSE
We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. – Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. I John 4:16, 18 (NLT)
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Depending upon our upbringing we bonded with our caregivers one of two ways. We either had a strong bond based on love or we had a bond that was based on fear. A fear bond is based on the fear of rejection, punishment, abandonment or shame. A fear bond is insidious. Like Pavlov’s dogs we are conditioned to respond to fear stimuli. Years later it leaves us vulnerable, destined to perfectionism or people pleasing, anxious, never believing that we are unconditionally loved. But Hallelujah, God isn’t finished with us yet! David wrote, “Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.” John wrote in today’s verse, “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love.” And here is the clincher, “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear.” I love it. What does fear have to fear? Love! God’s love for us is able to expel any and every “fear bond.” Today, examine your heart. Is there fear? Are you living in constant anxiety over rejection, shame, or abandonment? Cast it away and embrace God’s love for you. His love will expel all your fear.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Father, I come to You, calling You Father. Not a father that I have to please or fear, but a Heavenly Father, that has an unconditional love for me. Help me fully appreciate that fact. Help me know deep in my heart how rich and vast Your love is for me. Cast out all fear from my heart I pray. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN
TODAY’S AFFIRMATION & MEDITATION
I am unconditionally loved by God
Examine your heart. Quietly think of your different relationships. How many are solid, based on unconditional love for you, not your performance? How many people are you trying to please? What would happen if you did not please them? STOP. Take a deep breath and invite God to come and make you conscious of His perfect love for you. Sense God’s love for you. Feel it, know it, believe it. Now go with that love and let it cast away any and every fear you may feel today.