Works by Fear or by Love?
Monday, December 14 2009, 06:05 PM EST
In Escape the Hezbollah our hero went from one trial to another. Each time he went through another trial he had plenty of opportunity to accumulate resentment. The only thing that seemed to keep him going was love. Love makes the world go round. Literally. God's love does keep the world in motion.
It dawned on me that many people do things motivated by fear, not by love. If we think about it, we probably are all guilty of works by fear at times. Some pay bills motivated by fear, some obey the law motivated by fear, some act kindly to a mate, friend, co-worker or parent motivated by fear. What's wrong with that, you say? It gets things done. The problem with works motivated by fear is the accumulation of resentment. Resentment turns into anger. Eventually hidden anger is expressed outwardly or inwardly. When anger is expressed outwardly a previously gentile person can become a rageaholic. When anger is express inwardly a previously healthy person might become ill. Depression replaces anger and it effects every area of our lives. It can affect our health.
We need to turn that fear around and look at the bright side. We have a choice. Choosing works motivated by love helps us feel better about ourselves, sleep better, live longer and it has a positive affect on those around us.
That's all I've got for now. Keep looking up!
1 John 4:17-19
17In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18There 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.
19We love because he first loved us.
It dawned on me that many people do things motivated by fear, not by love. If we think about it, we probably are all guilty of works by fear at times. Some pay bills motivated by fear, some obey the law motivated by fear, some act kindly to a mate, friend, co-worker or parent motivated by fear. What's wrong with that, you say? It gets things done. The problem with works motivated by fear is the accumulation of resentment. Resentment turns into anger. Eventually hidden anger is expressed outwardly or inwardly. When anger is expressed outwardly a previously gentile person can become a rageaholic. When anger is express inwardly a previously healthy person might become ill. Depression replaces anger and it effects every area of our lives. It can affect our health.
We need to turn that fear around and look at the bright side. We have a choice. Choosing works motivated by love helps us feel better about ourselves, sleep better, live longer and it has a positive affect on those around us.
That's all I've got for now. Keep looking up!
1 John 4:17-19
17In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18There 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.
19We love because he first loved us.
What's Related