December 26

1 John 4:15-16, 18

If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God.  And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him … 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.

NLT:  Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.  All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.  We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love.  God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.   Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear.  If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.

Deuteronomy 33:27

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

NLT:  “The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you.  He drives out the enemy before you; he cries out, ‘Destroy them!’”

Psalm 13:5

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

NLT:  But I trust in your unfailing love.  I will rejoice because you have rescued me.