[Adam and Eve] hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God. Genesis 3:8  

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18  

We are often fearful – sometimes with good reason, and sometimes not. Many people follow religions where God is a fearsome concept. The worshipper must do certain things in order to placate an angry God. We get to hear one of those sidewalk speakers before many Lynx games – they mostly yell repent or go to hell; this is not the message of a loving God. Not sure what they have against basketball.  

Adam and Eve had been happily living in the Garden of Eden, then they ate that one apple. All at once they became afraid. Hearing God coming near them, they hid – as if they could hide from the presence of God. Pretty sure God already knew about the apple eating and hadn’t just struck them down for their disobedience.  

Then we get to read I John, an epistle that says a lot about love. “perfect love casts out fear.” Who can love perfectly? God can and does. As another translation of I John 4:18 says: “If we really love God, we will not be afraid of him. We cannot love him completely and also be afraid.” Yes, there are many verses that talk about the fear of God, but this is not a fear that should overwhelm us and make us try to earn a way to have God love us. God created the world, and the people in it, and said that everything is good. God’s love is freely available to all.    

Lord God, we admit that sometimes we are afraid of you. Thank you that your perfect love banishes fear. Your depth of compassion empowers us to love others as you have first loved us. Help us to not put limits on this love. Empower us to share your Good News  with our neighbors. In Jesus’ name, Amen.  

Chris Gabel 

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party