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No Fear


There 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 John 4:18)


The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)

           This is an old issue. We are to fear God, and we are to love God. If there is no fear in love, how can we do both? I believe the answer to this comes from an example. We are to fear the long-arm-of-the-law. That doesn’t mean we are to scream and sink to the ground quaking, holding our hands out as if to keep the police away, or to run away in panic from judges. Rather, fearing the long-arm-of-the-law involves our respecting the law and recognizing the consequences of disobeying it. So, fearing God can be said to involve our respecting Him and recognizing the consequences of disobeying Him. 
          The second passage for the day gives us another vital clue. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, not the end. God’s purpose is not for us to forever fear Him, but to come to love Him. That love will drive out the fears as we come to understand Him better.

         

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