Perfect love

Heavenly Father, we thank you for this new beautiful morning ancient of days and King of Glory. We thank you for the gift of life. This is the day You have made and we shall rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).

Today's lead Word is from 1 John 4:18 AMP

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God's judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God's love].

God is the originator of love and everything about His being is love. We cannot think of love and ignore God's love for all humanity. John 3:16 clearly states that for God loved the world that he sent His One and Only Son to die for us so that we could have eternal life. God's love for us is so inexpressibly wide and broad but this morning, I would love to share with you what the Holy Spirit put on my heart as seen in the above Word - there is no fear in love. When you think of God's love for you, what's the image that first comes to your mind, is it a picture of an angry father who is ready to punish you for your wrongs. OR: Could it be that when you think of God's love for you, you think yourself unworthy to receive it because you have messed up so bad and there is no chance of redemption.

In most instances, I believe, it's the latter because often times, you are your biggest critic. May I submit to you that every monologue in your mind that accuses and condemns you is not of God. In Romans 8:38 Apostle Paul says to us, "For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced - beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening (my emphasis), nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." To reiterate, nothing that appears 'threatening' can separate you from God's love. As a result, when you meditate on God's love for you right now and his promises for you in His Word, may the Holy Spirit teach you to embrace and cover your heart, spirit mind and soul in God's never ending love for you as He has promised that nothing will ever separate you from His love for you and I.

Your next question may be then how do I understand or receive this perfect love that is free from the punishment of fear. The answer is speak to your fears or anything that threatens draws you away from God's love and let it know that God will choose you. Not once, not twice but God will choose you over and over again because this is the depth of His love for you.

God's love for us is not conditional based on our actions or mistakes. He knew you and I would fall short and this is the reason He sent us His Son and by grace we are saved (Ephesians 2:5). I pray that this promise in the Word concerning God's faithfulness blesses your heart as He reminds us that "if we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself." (2 Timothy 2:13).

In conclusion, God who is the Creator of love, the Author and Origin of love, He is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19) concerning you and Love (read God) never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8).

I'll end with this Word in 1 John 1:9 AMP:

If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to his own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually (my emphasis) from all unrighteousness [our wrong doing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].

Amen. Thank you LORD.

Invitation to salvation: Finally, in case you have not already, I invite you to experience the Father's perfect love that is firmly established when you are united with Christ Jesus.

When you believe with your heart and confess with your mouth that; Jesus Christ, the Son of God who came in a human body to die for my sins. I repent of my sin. I choose Him as my Lord and Saviour today and forever.

Congratulations, by grace you have been saved and are now a new creation in Christ Jesus. The old life has passed away and you have received the free gift of salvation into your life. To the glory of the Almighty God. Amen.

As a new believer, I urge you to get water baptised, prayerfully consider becoming a member of a church and buying a Bible or downloading the Bible app on your mobile in case you don't already own one!