1 John 4:18 (AMPC): "There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love."

Having a revelation of God's love for us brings an inner peace and confidence that keeps us from constantly looking over our shoulder, fearing God's punishment the moment we somehow accidentally step out of His will. Sin has its own consequences of misery, sorrow and pain; but we never have to fear God lashing out in irritation or anger towards us for missing the mark. For those who have accepted the gift of salvation and forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ, we can be confident that God's wrath and punishment for our sin was emptied out on the cross. Now, as we live for Him, our perspective of Him completely changes. We see Him as the One we run to the moment our conscience is pricked. The instant we know in our spirits we have missed the mark, instead of trembling in dread or cowering in shame, we come boldly to the throne of grace. We open our hearts to the Lord, say sorry for what we know we did wrong (whether in thought or deed) and leave that guilt at His feet. Immediately, we feel His forgiveness wash over our souls and cleanse our consciences from all unrighteousness. That burden we were carrying inside us is lifted and the free flow of God's powerful, conquering love pours - unrestricted, strong and true - in and through us again. Don't let fear stop you from surrendering to His love ever again.