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. -1 John 4:18 NRSV
Zeusophobia (also called Theophobia) is a word that is used to describe the experience of being afraid of God. John writes here about such a fear. Many then, and even now, live in such a fear of God. These embrace an image of god that is more aptly described as a lightning bolt throwing Zeus like deity than one that looks like the compassionate Jesus.
I love the idea that we strive to reach perfection in love. And as we journey to that place our dark fears and phobias melt in the light of Christ. Truly no fear can exist in the light of the divine love of Jesus. Such love drives out fear as we draw near to the Lord. Knowing this changes everything because it is grounded in knowing the One who is called Love.
Draw us close to you Lord and drive out all of our fears.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on words in the bible.
amen my friend
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