REDEMPTION AND LOVE

Unlike the times when we lived under the fear of condemnation and the permanent wrath of God, in Christ we can now rest assured in His redemption. What He did for us was a permanent and sufficient act of grace. Our mistakes or successes will not make us any less loved by Him (Ephesians 2:1-6).

We love God, and when we fall short, our hearts may feel sorrow for not reaching the standard we hoped for — but fear is no longer our companion (Romans 7:14-25).

Those who truly know God do not fear sin because of punishment, but feel sorrow when they sin, because their true joy is the sweet presence of the Father. That is a clear sign of personal redemption and of God’s love in the heart.

“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” (1 John 4:18 NIV).