Love and Fear

Call To Prayer 

Title: Love and Fear 

By: Njuacha Hubert 

Date: 19.04.2025 

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. 1 John 4:18 

In general, there are two strategies you can use to make someone do something. The first is fear and the second is love. In the old covenant, it was more about fear. They were mainly motivated by fear (see for instance Exodus 20: 18-20). Although the fear of God remains an important pillar in the new covenant we have through Jesus Christ, something greater than fear must drive us now and that is LOVE.  

The fear of God is very important. We must fear His righteous judgment. He punishes evil deeds and rewards good deeds (Romans 2:6). The book of Wisdom also tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Isn’t it intriguing that it is the “beginning” not the fullness of wisdom? This is indicative that fear is only a starting point and that something more is needed to grow in wisdom.  

The fear of God will keep you from extremes and help you to do the bare minimum e.g. I don’t kill, I don’t steal etc. It is similar to what makes you keep the laws of a country; because you want to avoid paying fines or going to jail.  

Love, on the other hand, will make you go above and beyond. Love doesn’t even measure how much is given. Love for God and neighbor is our main goal in the new covenant. Avoiding sin is good but what is even better is focusing on how to love more. If we have no love, we are nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-7). A good question therefore in every thought and action is “is this love?”. At the center of love is selflessness; finding joy and peace in giving.

Instead of searching for happiness, what we should be doing is pursuing loving others and we will find happiness (Mathew 16:25, Luke 6:38).

However, it is easier said than done. So we need to grow in love and that only comes by abiding in Christ through prayers, eating the word of God, praise, and worship, praying in tongues and practicing, etc. Without Jesus, we cannot love as we ought. (John 15:5). 

Prayer Point:  

Let’s thank God for the word today. Let’s pray for the grace to grow in Love for God and to serve others out of the abundance of His love we have received. 

First posted: 20.04.2024