February 09 - Perfect Love

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear …." I John 4:18.

For a long time, I was perplexed at what this verse meant. Now I think I understand, but do I live in it every day? No! I may have a few moments of greatness, but then I soon return to my old self. This verse cuts across the grain of everything we do, especially in the area of giving or loving our neighbor as ourselves. But what is the specific application of this verse?

What are we afraid of more than anything else? What do we fear the most? Is it not being wanted or being told we aren't needed? Or maybe it is the fear of being alone or not having any friends or not having one square foot on this whole world to stand on? Perhaps it's a dirty little secret about ourselves being found out? Or maybe it is death itself?

There is one other fear that is that is more sinister. It affects nearly everything we do-how we treat our family and friends and neighbors, our work and labor, even our giving of our time, our money, our love, and our loyalty. In our selfishness, it is the fear of being taken advantage of-by our friends, neighbors, families, and, yes, even God. So we isolate and insulate ourselves by doing nothing! No giving of money, time, or energy to anything but ourselves and in consideration of how we can gain.

"Master, I knew you were a hard man, so I took the talent you gave me and I buried it (Matthew 25:25)".

Prayer - O Lord, forgive us and save us from ourselves and the fear that grips us to the point of sterility and renders us fruitless. Only love can cast our fear.

- Jeff Langley