A New Year’s resolution: live without fear

Romans 13:3-4 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. In verses 3-4, Paul continued his admonition to relate to authority on the grounds of the mercies of God and His love by explaining God’s purpose for governing authority. God ordained governing authority for the purpose of good. “It is a minister of God to you for good.” So if we live to love with Jesus and do good to all, we need have no fear of them. However, if one returns evil for evil, one should fear because God has given it authority to avenge—exact a penalty from, bring wrath upon—the one who practices evil, that is, doing what harms or destroys. Apparently that’s what it means to “bear the sword.” You may live in a country, state, or city where the governing authorities are hostile to you and your beliefs. I want to encourage us all today as we begin a new year to purpose to live to love with Jesus. These verses teach what the apostle John taught in 1 John 4:18. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” If we love, we don’t need to fear the governing authorities or be afraid of God. We know He will not destroy us, because we know He loves us. He is with us; loving through us. I invite you to ask the Holy Spirit to help you fulfill a New Year’s resolution—to pray what I call the Live to Love prayer every morning as you start your day. “Father in heaven, thank You for another day of life to know You, love You, and live to love with Jesus. Anoint and fill me with the Holy Spirit, the presence and power of Christ, so that I can love and trust You, and love those You put in my path today, for Your glory. Amen. I hope you’ll visit livetolovewithjesus.com and take advantage of the free resources available to encourage you in living to love with Jesus. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com