But I will rescue you from those you fear so much. Because you trusted me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the Lord, have spoken! Jeremiah‬ ‭39‬:‭17‬-‭18

Fear is the great crippler of society. Fear causes to do things we never thought we would do. Fear allows us to be bullied. Fear opens us to abuse. Fear keeps us from living a life of freedom. Fear has been used for centuries to keep people in check.

Governments, family members, even the church has been guilty of using fear to keep people in line. One sad example is the philosophy some use in the church in which our faith in Jesus is a ‘get out of hell free’ card.

While our faith in Christ indeed promises us that we’ll spend eternity with him, the motivating factor of grace isn’t fear of punishment but love of Jesus. Grace is giving with no hope or standard of paying back.

Do you go to church to fulfill a religious obligation? Stay home. Do you read the Bible so you’ll be a better Christian? Stop wasting your time! Sound harsh? When we go to church, or any other religious activity out of obligation we are simply joining in legalism.

The Apostle Paul spent most of his writings reminding us we are saved by faith, not works. Other New Testament writers totally concur. Our hope comes from a love relationship with Jesus.

Freedom comes when we grow deeper in our love for him, not in participating in more and more religious activities. A love relationship with Jesus never involves fear.