There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.
Fear is paralyzing, when it is fueled by punishment. It is tormenting, rob its victims of all joy. It keeps people from experiencing love. It stops people from living out their calling and destiny. Fear places what we are afraid of in a very powerful position. It subjects us under the power of the very thing we are fearful of. If we are fearful of failure, we will never try. If we are fearful of death, fear of death controls and dictates our lives and decision making. If we are fearful of rejection, we will do everything and anything to gain acceptance, could become a people-pleaser. Pleasing man, in general, determines our behaviour and persona.
If we are fearful of punishment, we will probably do everything we can to cover up our wrongs. God knows this very well. If our relationship with Him is controlled by fear, love cannot take root. So, He sent His Son Jesus to take upon Himself the “punishment” of our sins, so that we will not be fearful of being punished when we approach Him. He demonstrated His love towards us first, by removing the very obstacle that hinders a love relationship between us. How amazing is that! What a costly way for God to show His love towards us! Perfect love casts out fear.
The Lord says in Deuteronomy 10:12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” To fear God is not to be afraid of Him but to be in awe of Him – His amazing love, His wisdom, His might, etc. To fear the Lord is to respect Him, to love Him so much that we do not want to hurt Him or grieve His heart in any way. To fear God is to subject our whole life to His love, being loved by Him! This is true freedom.
Let His love rules your life.