“Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.”
Just to be clear, we cannot do enough loving things, nor can we exhibit a sufficient volume of faithfulness to earn our way into heaven. To be sure, Solomon is not advocating a works-based salvation. The only way to truly have our sins forgiven is through the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of the perfect sacrifice, Jesus. Here, we see that making relationships with others right is demonstrated through our loving and faithful interactions as a result of God’s work in our lives. Additionally, we don’t avoid sin out of fear that God will “get us” if we don’t. This verse reveals the true consequence of sin: the brokenness in our relationship with our loving God. To voluntarily walk out from under His protection through willful sin is a frightening thing to consider. We are exposed and vulnerable to the forces of darkness when we willfully walk away from the source of light. Jesus is the light of the world. He not only illuminates the way we should walk, but He also walks with us, providing safety and peace on our journey. Today, love others and walk with God. #BeTheEdge
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 NIV
