When I was about 6 or so, I heard a preacher talk about hell … and I realized that I did not want to go there. I went home and cried & cried. As time went on, I came to enjoy going to church, but I also developped a deep regret everytime I would sin. To this day, one of the biggest reasons I avoid things that violate my conscience is that I do not want to go to hell.
Does that mean that I fear hell? No.
I do not want to be separate from God who give me peace, joy, and accomplishes justice in my life. The fear of the Lord is a delicate balance between trusting him for life and having a deep distaste for all the death associated with alienation from Him. One who fears God will flee to Jesus as a refuge. Jesus becomes the shelter for our hearts and our hopes.
JESUS NEVER FAILS. Love NEVER fails. God is Love. Jesus Never fails because His love is perfect. Following Jesus means seeking to duplicate His love in my life, even the suffering, as I endure difficulty and abuse for and from those I love. If a Muslim despises me or insults me, it is a blessing. If an animist curses me with his idols, it is an honor.
Jesus is my defense and my castle. My cleansing and my soap are found in the blood of Jesus. He is my hope.
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