Today’s 333 Devotional: “God’s Love is Frightening”

During the Welsh Revival, a Welshman was praying in English but still thinking in his native tongue.

When he began to quote Psalm 130:4 which says, “But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared,” he stumbled trying to find the right words. Eventually he brought forth this translation.

“There is forgiveness with Thee, enough to frighten us.”

What a revelation. God’s loving kindness towards us that forgives our sins is so great that it’s frightening. God’s loving kindness is so great and so wonderful in His forgiveness of sins that it fills us with a love that is truly frightening.

This idea is not about being frightened by God, but that His love towards us is so great that it literally takes our breath away.

Normally when we contemplate our sin and transgression there is the natural response of becoming frightened of God’s punishment. This is not an unhealthy fear however, because in many ways it keeps us in line. But this is not what the Psalmist is trying to convey.

The Apostle John said, “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)

Rather it’s a love that realizes what God has done for us in giving to us His Son, Jesus Christ, to take our place and die the death that we all deserve.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

This love is truly frightening because the last thing we want to do is to hurt or wound such a love through sin.

We truly serve an awesome God who loves and forgives us by sending His Son, Jesus, to die for us so that we can spend an eternity with Him.

Lord, may Your loving kindness overwhelm us as we realize Your love for us.