John told his readers that love has no fear (1John 4:18). I believe his statement has reference to what he said immediately prior to this in 1John 4:14-17. Becoming like Jesus, having such a thing as our goal, is challenging, but it shouldn’t be a fearful desire, i.e. not in the sense of being respectful but in the sense of being afraid. To be afraid of loving another, to be afraid of the cost in doing so (Matthew 13:46;[1] cp. 1Corinthians 6:20; 7:23), to be afraid of giving one’s life for another (cp. John 15:13) may allow for one to desire to be like Jesus, but it certainly does not allow for one’s readiness to be like him. It would be like the alcoholic who would like to quit, but doesn’t have the will to make it happen. Read the rest of this entry »
Smoodock's Blog 