God’s Truth for Trying Times - 10/23/21

We need God’s truth in trying times. Read the Scripture passage, think about what it is saying, then pray; by yourself or with your household. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly (Col. 3:16).

READ: 1 John 4:17-19

By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. [1 John 4:17-19 ESV] 

CONSIDER: Knowing the love of God for us is what allows us to love him. Perfect love casts out fear of judgment and punishment for our sins. Our sins were put on Christ at the cross. Therefore, we are free from the judgment of the wrath of God due to our sins, and we enjoy fellowship with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

THINK: What does this declare about God? What are God’s people being called to do? What assurance is given? How does the Word of God transform our hearts and lives and relationships?