Love or Fear?

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and he who fears is not perfected in love. 

Homily:
This is difficult to understand, especially for those that are entrenched in the "Fear God" movement.

They tell you that people do good, because they fear going to hell (they fear punishment). How true is that? If the fear of hell is so effective, why do poor choices still prevail among Christians?

Do not get me wrong, there are consequences for poor choices. But fear is not the path to reconciliation, because God is love.

Do you have someone you love and fear at the same time?

A child that loves his parents, runs to his parents.
A child that fears his parents, hides away from his parents.
Who do you think will get to know his parents more? Who do you think will get more from his parents?

God is our Father, which choice do you think draws us closer to Him and brings His favour? Love or Fear?

There will always be suspicion of fearful people, because they stay distant. All humans are weary of distant followers and all humans replace distant leaders.

There will always be confidence in loving people, because they are approachable.

At every point that humans have been distant, it was because of sin. Fear creates that distance and needlessly postpones forgiveness, sometimes, until it is too late.

Those that love, also fall short sometimes, but they confess. They never allow any distance come between them and God. Forgiveness is instant and they can live full lives.

Fear is built on a lack of understanding. It disconnects us from God.

Love is built on sacrifice. It bonds us to God.

Choose love.