18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
I struggled with this chapter. Basically, I got we need to love each other to be more like God. I read and re-read it several times. The above verse did jump out at me right before I was giving up on getting anything else out of the chapter.
Have you ever noticed people who you know have a very strong faith also seem to have a very calm confidence about them? Just the way they carry themselves and speak there is something that is different about them, they are not concerned what people think about them. Its not arrogant either, its just something where they are so comfortable in their skin it appears nothing worries them. Maybe that is what this is talking about? If you have the love of God in you completely, maybe it drives out the fears and worries of this world and gives you a sense of peace? Maybe I'm stretching this into something it isn't but that is what crossed my mind after about the 6th pass over the words of this chapter.
have a good one.
knut
I don't think you've missed it at all. I agree that people of great faith seem to be "cool". From my viewpoint, it seems to be that they aren't concerned with themselves. They are always interested in everyone else. I think that's where the love comes in. The are consumed with God to the point that they are outward looking, and have given up on the normal self-conscious things that most of us worry about. That all stems from being firmly rooted in God's love and loving others.
ReplyDeleteI like your take, its different than where my mind went when I read it....but, I like it.
peace