Love not fear

My life was changed when I realised that in many situations I was motivated by fear rather than by love. The problem for me was that if I was to mature as an adult I needed to learn to operate out of love in more areas of my life. As the Bible says, “do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). The good news is that God wants us to have freedom from fear, “There is no fear in love, but perfect Love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” (1 John 4:18). On the cross Christ defeated death and overcame fear – of death and everything else.

Courage of course is not the opposite of wisdom. The administration of Holy Communion has, for centuries, been considered hygienic. However, at this time we are going to follow best practice laid down at times of winter 'flu’: Giving of Communion by intinction (dipping bread in wine) is suspended; the provision of non-alcoholic communion wine in a chalice is temporarily suspended; we are going to offer non-alcoholic wine in individual cups for those who wish to receive at Holy Communion.

We would ask you to follow good hygiene practices including: carrying tissues and using them to catch coughs and sneezes, and binning the tissue; washing hands with soap and water (for 20 seconds) or using sanitiser gel to kill germs.

Anyone who has returned to the UK in the last 14 days and develops symptoms of cough or fever or shortness of breath, should immediately: stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu; call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the country.

Perfect love casts out all fear. My prayer is that through this Lent period you will know God’s love for you and if you do find yourself affected by fear do come for a chat and prayer.

Every blessing

Mike