We read several times in scripture where the Angel of the Lord appeared to man and he suddenly fell down in fear, acutely aware of his sin, asking Him to depart. We see the same with Peter in this interaction with Jesus, after Peter had hauled in his first great load of fish.

But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Luke 5:8 ESV

Peter realized who Jesus was and the knowledge of his sin and fear of God’s punishment became overwhelming to him. There was a second time in Peters life when Jesus provided a great haul of fish. This happened after he had denied Jesus three times and had met privately with the risen Christ according to scripture. In this second instance, Peter sees the exact same miracle, the haul of fish. It had to awaken his senses to who Jesus was again, God in the flesh. But this time, in John 21:7, Peter jumps in the water and swims quickly to shore to boldly embrace Jesus. No fear. The love of Christ, perfected in Peter.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18

So, thinking about it right now, if you stood before God today, would your sin make you fall down in fear? Or would you worship Him in Spirit and truth, seeing His righteousness that has overcome all of your sin, perfecting you for all time in Christ.

For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. Heb 10:14 NASB

Imagine for a moment standing before God, trusting Jesus alone, unafraid, because you are sure you are righteous in Christ. That is love perfected.

Doubt and fear only come when we look at Jesus plus ourselves (walking by sight not faith), to determine if we are right with God. Fix your eyes on Jesus alone, the perfect lamb of God.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13 ESV