Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 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.
1 John 4:17-19
Here is the key to our confidence whenever we stand before the Lord, but especially in the Day of Judgment. We are like Jesus in this world; we are not part of this world. We are aliens and strangers passing through to our home. Since we are like Him we are caught in His love which drives fear from us because we know that he will not torment Jesus or us because we are like Him.
When we are fearful we are not mature in our understanding or practice of love. If we think we love others but have torment saved for them we know it is not genuine love for them but control for ourselves. If we understand true love we know that it always acts in our best interest as much as is practically possible. Otherwise love allows us to run on in our course and accepts that there will consequences for our behaviors. Jesus doesn’t bully us into behaving; He allows the results of our sins to punish us.
On the other hand I have seen Christians try to force each other into what they thought were proper behaviors. Husbands and wives nagging each other to try and bring change to the other person. Parents hounding their kids. Instead we should allow them to face the consequences of their choices. We should even give some consequences as long as they are righteous and naturally fit the sin displayed against us. If a family member lies to us it is natural and right for us to lessen our trust in them. It someone destroys our property (whether they are related or not) it is natural to restrict their access. In families these common-sense responses sometimes go by the wayside in the name of love. It is a love that is imperfect and immature. We allow our “loved” ones to forego the pain of their behavior and teach them that it is OK to sin against family. We should teach them that love doesn’t go anywhere while the limits are being maintained.
When I stand before Jesus I fully expect to give an accounting for my behavior. I am not looking forward to parts of that accounting. I am looking forward to seeing Him with my eyes and moving past our issues into a perfected relationship through love.
Fearful No More,
Pastor Jason
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