1 John 4: ¹⁸ 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.

I have seen this scripture all month long... and it had got me thinking...
I readily admit I am terrified of love.. I am terrified to put my heart and emotions into someone or something and be deceived or hurt or crushed....

so if we think about the scripture.. we realize that it is saying that of course only God's love is perfect and there should be no fear there.. yet come on now.. I again admit.. even there I have fear... what if I get hurt... what if I can never overcome the hurt... I would rather just not put myself out there than to be hurt...

yet... isn't the whole purpose of our lives 'love'? isn't that really what gives us meaning?

I can say that I have love.. I love my cats.. I love my kids.. I love anyone who is in my world.. but to not truly give your heart to another person.. is that really living?
I can't answer that... because I am afraid...