Some writers have speculated that the Old Testament writers often made God sound wrathful because they thought God had to be wrathful to control us. When they looked around at how people in power controlled others they saw power, fear, and intimidation. Jesus brought us a different view of God- one we can see and hear in the Old Testament but one we have to look closer to see. I always thought this more loving God was preferable. I think this more loving and merciful God is easier to conceive of and accept, and easier to love and desire to serve. But not everyone feels that way.

Some people think love is weak. They fear chaos and desire control. Realizing their own limitations and projecting their fears, they want a god who has everything under control. That god holds back chaos and keeps them safe.

But God did not create us to be controlled or to control others. God made us in God’s image – free. God made us to help make creation with God. God made us to help bring in the Kingdom, with and through Jesus Christ. God gave us the greatest power to do just that and commanded us to use that power. God didn’t command that to be controlling; God commanded that, asked that, called for that, pointed to that, made us that, because God is that – God is love, and we are to be love, too.  We are called to be love for God, love for neighbors and love for ourselves because we are all God’s, all part of God’s family, all God’s creation and beloved, all ones that God’s Son died and rose again for.

Don’t let fear keep you from God.  Don’t let fear keep you from the person God made you to be. Read 1 John 4: 7-21, and remember: God loves you unconditionally.

Mike