John F. MacArthur wrote, ‘The true Gospel is a call to self-denial.  It is not a call to self fulfillment’.  Often when we hear these words, we think of self-denial, as an opposite to selfishness.   However, often self-denial can be  the character of not giving into our fears.  Of inviting the Lord to give us courage to act out of love rather than to act to avoid facing our fears.   Often acting in love and with courage confronts fears of rejection, and of failure.  But Christ calls us to a life not only of putting others before ourselves but also a life of challenging our fears and moving forward with love.

Paul writes, ‘the love of Christ compels us ‘2 Corinthians 5:14  and John writes, ‘ ‘There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear’. 1 John 4:18

• May the Lord, encourage us this week as  we seek to act in love and self-denial rather than from fear.