The Daily: Monday March 3rd, 2025

Read 1 John 4:17-20 (NRSV, The Message) 

"There is no fear in love, for perfect love drives out fear. To fear is to expect punishment, and anyone who is afraid is still imperfect in love. 1 John 4:18
(Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation) 

Many of us grow up with a distorted view of God - seeing Them as a stern judge waiting to punish us for our mistakes. But what if we've been looking at it all wrong? What if, instead of a harsh taskmaster, God is actually the very essence of love itself? This fundamental truth can transform how we view our relationship with God. When we begin to understand that God's primary nature is love, it changes everything about how we approach Them and live our lives. It's not about following a set of rules to avoid punishment; it's about participating in a loving relationship with the ground of all being.

How might your relationship with God change if you truly believed that Their primary nature is love, not judgment?

Prayer
Loving Parent, help me to see You as You truly are - pure love. Remove any false images I've created of You that prevent me from experiencing Your love fully. Help me to rest in Your love today. Amen.