Read
1 John 4:18–19 (NIV)
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.
Reflect
As we move in this journey, from the desert of dissatisfaction to the awakening of devotion, every single step along the way has been initiated and navigated by the same love. It is the love of Jesus that provokes those pangs of discontent. One taste of its authenticity and we can never again settle for anything except the real thing. It is this love that invites and draws us deeper, descending to the cross and raising us up in resurrection. It is this love that roots and establishes us in utter dependence upon the Root of all things. It is this love that teaches us what it means to delight in the one who is love himself. And it is this love that works its way through us, leaving no part of us untouched and unchanged, welling up and over and out into the world around us in the form of profound love for others.
In a day and time when relationships are strained by fear and suspicion, holy love drives us out into the widening gaps. The people of Jesus are born from, filled with, and driven by holy love, and used to drive out fear in the communities around us. Because he did it first.
Pray
Holy God of holy love, drive out fear and hate darkness. Light us on fire and let us burn to light the way.
Conference
Where is the fear in your community? Where does it come from? How can the holy love of Jesus drive it out and replace it?
For the Awakening,
Matt LeRoy