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. We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:18-19
“If a person loves himself he seeks his own glory, but the man who loves God loves the glory of his Creator. Anyone alive to the love of God can be recognized by the way he constantly strives to glorify Him by fulfilling all His commandments and by delighting in his own abasement… Anyone who loves God in the depths of his heart has already been loved by God. In fact, the measure of a man’s love for God depends on how deeply aware he is of God’s love for him.”
Diadochus of Photice (c. 401-500) in Spiritual Perfection as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 577.
Diadochus contributed to the famous work, the Philokalia, and his writings influenced many of the saints in the dark and middle ages to today.
Consider the power of his point today.
The reason people look after themselves, build an earthly kingdom, store up treasures on earth, is that they seek their own glory. It proclaims, “Look what I have done!”
Alternatively, anyone alive to the love of God aims at his or her own abasement. That person knows they are loved by God and has no fear.
Fear is the leading obstacle to our Christian obedience.
So, related to our generosity. Let’s revel in the love of God today and everyday, which drives out fear and helps us live in a way that announces, “Look what God has done!”
Abasement is the pathway to fulfilling Christ’s commands.
People who choose this path love God, have no fear because they know God loves them, and constantly strive (because it never gets any easier) for God’s glory.
Jenni and I head home from our time of rest this week in Western Colorado. Thanks for your prayers. It’s been refreshing.
This evening, I have a governance training with the Evangelical Alliance of the Caribbean. Pray for Spirit-filled teaching and receptive hearts. Thanks.