No Fear in Love

 by Macy Johnson

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

(1 John 4:18 NIV)

 

I recently received an email from the committee of our upcoming 50^th year high school reunion. Instructions included a nudge to connect on Facebook for updates. I slowly passed over that suggestion. Should I reactivate my Facebook account?

 

It’s been over a year since I turned my back on social media. My departure was triggered by a message saying my account had been “hacked.” The isolation began and I slipped slowly into a dull fog of aloneness with minimal connections.

 

This week I bravely reactivated my Facebook account and restored decades of friendships. The best way to counter a hacker’s attack is to change passwords often. More importantly, I choose not to fear, but accept it as a part of this fallen world.

 

Can God be revealed in social media? In Jesus’ parable of the shrewd manager He calls us to use the things of this world in order to bring others to Him. I see God all through Facebook, in the lives and postings of His children.

 

“I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”

(Luke 16:9 NIV)

 

A word of caution: Jesus closes the parable by saying, “What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.” I am committed to a Facebook Sabbath every week to help me avoid any addiction.

 

I will not be afraid of losing connections when I am wrapped in the perfect love of Jesus. Everything is under His control, not mine.

 

I will rejoice in the arms of my Lord, where all fear is gone. I hope you will, too!