The Bible tells us: “… perfect love drives out fear …” (1 John 4:18). This week we grapple with the paradox of how we respond to God.

God who is the Holy, Almighty Judge of all, whose standards we cannot meet. The same God who loves us so much that He was willing to become human and die to break the barrier of sin which stops us receiving His Love.

It isn’t that long ago that the Minister would have leant over the edge of the pulpit wagging a finger at the congregation gathered below, warning of God’s wrath and anger, literally putting the fear of God into them.

I was brought up with the old 1662 Book of Common Prayer, whose main aim seemed to be to make one feel like a miserable worm. Albeit a miserable worm in need of God’s Mercy and Grace, not deserving it, but in desperate need of it.

As is often the case, the message about God’s Love became hidden by the confirmation of our imperfection. How often we hear only the bad news, the criticism, the perceived slight!

The Apostle John also wrote: “God is Love … there is no fear in Love.” (1 John 4: 16b, 18a).

The challenge for us as followers of Christ is to see God as ‘Abba Father’ who wants to pour His Love onto us despite our miserable-wormness!

Join us as we let Love break through the fear!

God Bless,

REV Mark RS Smith