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Reverence, not fear
… let all the ends of the earth revere him. — Psalm 67:7
His mercy is for those who fear him … — Luke 1:50
The Hebrew word yare’ and the Greek word phobeo are consistently translated as “to fear.” A more nuanced rendering would be “to revere.” As we celebrate the Advent of Christ’s amazing love, this distinction anchors our faith. In his first letter, the apostle John puts it beautifully: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”
Those of us with special-needs children can tell you about our cries for mercy, our pleas for perfect love to transform our fears. It’s a cry for all children as well. God, help our children find a place in this world! Help us provide for them both now and in the long term! Give us love and patience worthy of this precious human being you entrusted to our care!
Each of our journeys is different, but I have learned his timeless truth. God’s mercy and love are enough to sustain us through every trial. — KVT
Are you holding onto a fear or worry that God’s love can vanish?
Loving God, we praise you for the mercy you show to all your children. Amen.
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