Perfect Love
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).
I was thinking recently how a person’s fear can keep someone else from feeling loved. Too often, we can be focused on ourselves to the degree that we don’t reach out to others. Maybe you’re afraid of making a fool of yourself. Or you worry about what others will think of you. Instead of focusing on how you can bless that other person, you let pride get in the way. I am guilty of this myself at times but it is not a good way to live.
A number of years ago, I made a conscious decision to act more and think less. I realize that, for some, this would not be a good thing; however, it is easy for me to overthink things to the point that I render myself useless. That particular year, when God would bring someone to my mind, I would text or call them. I decided that, even if it wasn’t God’s prompting, it didn’t hurt to connect with friends. And I was amazed at the times that it seemed like there was a reason that I needed to connect.
I do not always do this perfectly. Maybe that’s why God has been laying this on my heart again. If I desire to be led by His Spirit, I cannot always think everything to death. Sometimes I must step out in faith, trusting that He is leading. If I am wrong, nothing is hurt but maybe a little pride, which needs to be injured a bit from time to time anyway.
No one has ever loved perfectly except the Father, but I imagine that most of us could try a little harder. If you have been thinking of someone lately that you wouldn’t typically think of, or if someone has been on your mind a lot more than normal, pick up the phone and let them know you are thinking of them. If nothing else, it may just be the reminder they need that God loves them and really cares about them. It is such a blessing to be used by God in that way.
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