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TODAY’S WORD…

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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.

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– 1 John 4:18 (NRSV)

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REFLECTION…

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Seeing God only as one who punishes

those who transgress His commandments

is not loving God.

Fearing God as a vengeful master – fearing His punishment –

is servile fear,

and that is not the way God wants us to look at Him.

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It is filial fear or reverence – tender reverence –

that we should feel towards God.

It has nothing to do with punishment,

but everything to do with loving God.

It is what gives a true Christian

that deep repulsion of sin.

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Tender reverence

occurs in the heart of those who acknowledge God

as their loving and doting Father

and who see themselves as His children.

They do not want to hurt God;

they not want to do anything

which will cut them off from their Heavenly Father’s love.

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Father in heaven, I love You and I never want to hurt You.

Forgive me, and strengthen me with Your love.

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