1 John 4:16-18
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In 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. 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.
John said that "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear..." Real love can overcome fear. That's how Jesus loved us - He sacrificed His life for us so that we can be rescued from the authority of sin. His love is precious and complete. Because of His love, there is strength in our heart to face our uncertain future. It's not that we won't ever be afraid, but in love we have faith to overcome everything. When I first came to the U.S. to study, the law back then was that family members can only visit after the student lived here for one year. Therefore, Mrs. Liu came to be with me after a year. Think about it: Before she left Taiwan for the U.S., wouldn't she have any fear? Wasn't she sad to say goodbye to her family at the airport? 20 or 30 years ago, traveling was not nearly as easy as it is today, but nothing stopped her from coming to the U.S. to be with me. Why? Because of love, for in love there's no fear, and in love we can overcome all fear.
Brothers and sisters, when you face the future and uncertainties, you are inevitably filled with insecurity and fear. Unless you have true love inside, you won't be able to overcome your fear, and you all be ruled by it while living in the reality. As soon as you are filled with love of God, you will know that His love for you is real, dependable, and never-changing, because He is your best friend. When He said He will guide you through your life with His staff and His rod, it means He will never forsake you, because He loves you and will love you always. When you have the assurance of God's love, tremendous power can come from such faith to overcome all the fear from the uncertainties of the world, and help you to run forward courageously.
Pray with Pastor Tong
Lord, please fill the hearts of brothers and sisters with your love. If anyone is ruled by fear right now because of worries about uncertainties in the future, in the victorious name of Jesus I break all the bondage of worries and fear. May your love come and pour into the hearts of all brothers and sisters. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
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