As a dyed in the wool encourager, I get many phone calls, text messages and email from people that need uplifting. Since that's what I do and who I am in God I don't mind. Encouraging others in their faith is what I love to do more than any thing else. Lately, I've met a lot of new Christians and the spiritually curious who don't ask about God's love but seem to be afraid of God.
In one recent conversation, a young Christian wanted a list of all the things she couldn't do. "Should I smoke?" "Am I allowed to wear...?" You get the idea. After attempting to answer a few perfunctory question I realized her problem wasn't knowledge, her problem was her picture of God. She should, we all should, come to God in love not fear.
Many of us come to Christ to avoid the flames, to get that "get out of hell free" card but the truth is that fear does not belong in your relationship with Christ.
God loves you. Yes, flawless, silly, awkward you! When God sees the redeemed, he doesn't see you in the mud. He sees the blood of his son and his likeness stamped on you. When God smells you, he doesn't smell the lurid stench of sin. You are a wonderful fragrance to God, a light breeze lilting on the wind.
God isn't looking down from above waiting say "Tsk, tsk" when you wear shorts or even when you slip up and sin. He looks at you in love so come to him in love. Don't be afraid of God. He isn't out to get you... except to get you closer to him.
Love God and trust his Spirit to guide you. "Work out, (walk out) your own salvation in free and trembling (reverent respect)."
1 John 4:8 "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."