Scripture: 1st John 4:18
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.
Thought for the Day: I have referenced Richard Rohr a number of times recently, and once again, I turn to him and his discussion on fear-based Christianity. He writes:
You cannot easily get to love when you begin with threats and appeals to fear. The driving energy is completely wrong. Rather, you come to love by attraction. Change must begin with positive energy or the final result is never positive.
As wonderful things are happening and will continue to happen within Christianity, there remains an underlying and destructive approach that uses fear. The word love might be used, but the tactics and tools are that of anxiety and trepidation. It traps, and in times, consumes people in their apprehension. Let us strive to offer a clear alternative, an alternative so infused with the unconditional love of God that fear itself will not stand.
Prayer: I celebrate and honor your love, O Mighty God, for it has the power to drive away all fear and apprehension. Thank you, Lord, for showing me a still more excellent alternative to fear-based religion. Amen.
COMING SOON!
