There have been several trips to the Vet’s office lately. As we sit in the waiting room, my little fearful dog only wants to be held. The scary noises make her tremble and she turns her face to hide in me.
During those times, I think of 1 John 4:18 – “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.”
As I’ve pondered that, I’ve wondered why my dog is so fearful. Do I not love her well? Does she not feel safe and secure around me?
Of course she does! But the truth is that I don’t love perfectly. As a sinner, I’m not capable of completely pure, perfect love. There’s only One who is capable of that kind of love.
Now that’s not saying I shouldn’t strive to love better. After all, Christians are called to be Christ-like. Yet I must also recognize that Jesus loves better than I ever can or will and there is incomparable security in His love.
So if that’s the case, why do I still fear things? Why do I fear the violence of humans, natural disasters, loss, health crises, the unknown?
I think it’s a lack of trust in the perfect love of God. Jesus never promised life would be easy. In fact, He promised the opposite (John 16:33). But He ultimately promises victory – through Himself – to all who trust in Him.
Troubles come, but the troubles of this world are temporary compared to the eternity of perfection we’ll enjoy with Him.
Candle Sutton 