that we may have boldness....not FEAR.....a change of heart

No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.  And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.  Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.(1 John 4:12-18)

Human beings generally seek closeness to others, yet also fear becoming too vulnerable! Intimacy and openness brings fear among many, especially men. We really cannot become close to anyone if we fear getting close! So we choose to stay distant and live behind masks. I am a perfect example of this! I can fake it very well!!!

What I  cannot fake is a desire to see everyone know His love however, so I press on. . . .

In a day and age where fear is running rampant due to viruses and diseases, it is now more of a challenge than ever to keep from running in fear and isolating ourselves! Yes, our identity and worth comes from God and His love for us, but that love is not to be protected and locked away, but shared! That love should allow us to trust and love, not live in fear! It should allow us a boldness to love as Christ loved, with purpose and conviction to let the world see Him through us!

I don't know about you, but I am facing a real dilemma lately. In these challenging days, we do not have to hug, kiss, embrace or even shake the hand everyone we meet, but we must boldly and fearlessly allow the love of Christ to show as He leads and guides. More than ever, the world needs His love! As believers, how do we do this if we must be isolated? Pray and ask God how you and I can do just that!

What we need is a change of heart, not lifestyle!