No Fear In Love

I remember as an eight-year-old, my mom and dad drove me to Children's Hospital. I was running a high fever. My parents did everything they could to get my temperature under control. They tried medicines to reduce the fever and even alternated between two types of medication. Dad had me drink more fluids and also gave me sponge baths. My temperature stabilized, but the worrisome fever remained.

When I arrived at the hospital, shivering and scared, my mom told me Dad had to move the car and fill out paperwork. His departure triggered a heap of concern. I held my breath, waiting for him to return. I did not feel safe with the doctor and nurse examining me without him there with me.

I caught sight of my dad striding toward me and ran into his arms, clutching him — no longer afraid. Whatever the doctor wanted to do no longer frightened me. Being loved by Dad and my love and trust in him pushed the fear away.

In 1 John 4, we hear that knowing the love of God takes away fear because fear does not exist alongside the love we have for God and others. With this kind of love comes a tremendous trust in God.

As we mature in our relationship with our Lord, we will come to see more clearly Jesus at work, driving out the fear in our lives. While our fear may never completely disappear until we are in Heaven, the loving presence of his Spirit within us here on earth will continue to support us along the journey home. God's love helps us through our scary encounters. It is a kind of love that scatters the dark and frightening events we sometimes experience .

The next time you are afraid, take your fear to God. Hold on tight to Jesus and let his love sweep over you, replacing the fear with his love and goodness. He knows you down to the tiniest detail—and chooses to love you.

Lord, thank you for choosing to love me even though you know everything good and ugly about me. During these challenging times, remind me often that with your help, I can make a difference when I choose love to drive out fear in me and others. Amen.

Throughout This Day: If you are fearful about what is happening to friends and family members, decide to act in love. Send a loving text, email, or smile to them today.