Should we fear God?

We are taught at an early age to fear God. You know the phrase, ill put the fear of God in you. But should we really fear God? He doesnt punish us. He as unconditional love for us. And forgives us no matter how many times we mess up. And that revolves around love, not fear.
You cant earn God's favor more by following a religious secs rules. That mindset leads us to trying to be better than others or feeling less than. And thats the devil whispering in our ears. In Romans 3:21-31 explains that we all fall sbort and we all recieve grace that is through the the redemption that is Jesus Christ.
These mindsets of trying to earn God's favor leave us falling short and then lead to giving up as we will never be good enough. That causes fear and anxiety and depression.
Friends we all fall short. That is why Jesus died. Accepting that he died for you before yu ever exist is acceptimg unconditional love from a father that doesnt punish us. And has already forgiven us. John 14:6 says Christ ia the only way to his father. For this very reason.
Should be strive to be Christ like? Yes. But we have to know we are not perfect and thats ok. Just strive everyday to do and be better. God created us. He knows us. Ans once we accept this we can start living Christ like because we want to. Not because we are afraid if being repramanded for a mistake we have or may make.
Ephesians 2:8-9  (NKJV)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
We all can recieve grace by accepting what Jesus did for us.

We dont need to fear God. We can find rest in Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV

21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

1 Peter 2:24 KJV

24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

God is love. And to know lovw is to know God.
And in perfect love their is no fear.

1 John 4:18 KJV

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Baptism 8/30/2015

Sunday, after church services Hayden tells me "mommy,mommy i was saved!" i love it and he says it everytime they do it. The boy is always ready to renew his love for Jesus.
The next part is what was different. "I want to be baptised momma"
So of course I think that is great. But i need to know he fully understands what that means. He tells me " it means that i would not be new on the inside. I would be clean and full of love in my heart for Jesus" I'll take that. So off we walked to go sign up.
After confusing and being lost we are almost to the table to sign up. And Hayden is so excited and happy. Buy then he says "mommy when were you baptized?" i clinch my face as i admit i never had been.
You see going to a baptist church and being told horrible scary things made me warry about it. I love the idea and the reasoning and I always want to but the memories always got to me. No, i did not tell Hayden that. We keep walking and he says "momma you should do it with me"
Something in his voice and in his sweet smile made a instant response happen. I say "you know what bubba, im gonna do it with you!"
He is estatic. Sister immediately became distraught as she ask to join us. But she is too little. I remind her she has Jesus in her heart and soon she will old enough and maybe GiGi or even daddy may join her. She accepted that but she wasnt leaving my side At all.
So my son goes first. He comes up from the water with the biggest smile and is full of pure happiness. And is all to eager to help mommy climb in for her turn. (broken foot makes climbing in a tank interesting sight to say the least)
The pastor ask me "do you have Jesus i. Your heart"  i say "yes" he ask a frw more questions that become a blur as I stare at the two faces of my beautiful children infront of me, watching me make this comittment and visual display of my faith and love for Jesus. They dunk me and i feel the warmth in the cold water.
That day my life changed. I shared a moment with my son that I will never forgot. I am so eager to watch his faith and love grow as he grows. The boy loves him some Jesus and I'm right there with him. 💛💙💜💚👣🙏☝🙌