Today’s Scripture

DAY 11 – Boldness and Peace

1 John 4:17-21 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. 18 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. 19 We love Him because He first loved us. 20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

I think sometimes we walk in fear because we look at our own selves and see how we do not measure up. It’s true we don’t. As we have said, love being perfected is love maturing in us. That is something that is not done by us but is an effect of the Spirit at work in us.

On that day – we have nothing in ourselves to show that we deserve anything, but I recently heard something beautiful and the reason why Jesus is our great hope.

Jesus was fully God but also fully man. He alone walked as a sinless man paid the penalty of sin for all mankind. Now, Jesus as man can grab hold of us, and as God, grab hold of the Father and bridge the gap. This boldness comes from knowing that none of it is based on me. It’s all based on Jesus.

So loving others because He first loved me is the effect, but boldness is the outcome because Christ is able to save to the uttermost. It is the most wildly, amazing and glorious thing that God did through the Son.

We are not the standard. Jesus is!

Faith in that standard is the root of our lives and love is the fruit of it.

Oh beware, beware 
when the heart harbors hate
when the justification seems great
Lest we forget the simple truth: 
If someone says, “I love God,” 
and hates his brother, 
God labels him a liar; 
for he who does not love his brother
whom he has seen, 
how can he love God
whom he has not seen?
Turn, yes, turn 
may you be graced to see 
that hate that has gripped 
your heart blacked out 
By grace repent 
and walk by this truth:
this commandment we have from Him: 
that he who loves God
 must love his brother also.
Oh, may we, may we
be bold enough
to die to self 
and follow only Him. 

Thanks for Listening,

Starla