Scared

Dear Scared:
First let’s chat about your fear of hell. I think that’s a good thing! I’m scared of hell, too, and I’m glad I am. If it didn’t frighten me, I might not take it as seriously as God wants me to. Every time hell is mentioned in Scripture, it’s described as a place of torment and eternal separation from God. Hell is scary!

Unfortunately, it’s often been reduced to a slang term or a cuss word. We hear the word casually used in almost every sitcom and throughout movies and songs. But the Bible is clear that there’s nothing casual about hell! It’s a reality, and it’s a place we can spend forever in if we don’t have a relationship with Christ.

Perhaps you initially decided to confess your sins and follow Christ because you didn’t want to go to hell, but now that you’re in a relationship with Him, you want to serve Him out of love. And that’s what the apostle John is getting at in 1 John 4:18: “We need have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly; his perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what he might do to us” (The Living Bible).

If you’re still afraid, you’re either not fully trusting the fact that He has saved you, or there may be areas in your life that you’re simply refusing to respond in obedience to Him.

God loves you more than you can comprehend, and He doesn’t want you (or anyone else) to go to hell. He’s gone to great lengths to make provision so you don’t have to spend eternity away from Him. (He sent His Son to pay the death penalty for you!)

Try to remember that God doesn’t send people to hell; they send themselves by refusing to confess their sins and accept His free gift of eternal life.

Dear Susie:
I have a weight problem. I’m close to 200 pounds, and I’m trying to lose weight, but I procrastinate. I know my body is supposed to be a temple, but mine isn’t. I just can’t get motivated, no matter how much I pray or what I do. But I really want to lose this weight.

Overweight and Unmotivated

Dear Overweight and Unmotivated:
First, I want to affirm you: Yes, your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. God is absolutely crazy about you exactly the way you are! He doesn’t love a 100-pound girl any more than a 200-pound girl. In fact, when He looks at you, He smiles in pride. You are His creation, and He’s in love with you!

But I’m proud of you for wanting to drop a few pounds, because I think it’s a smart decision health-wise. I, too, struggle with my weight . . . and with procrastination! But I asked God to help me, and I’ve lost 25 pounds. If I can do it, anyone can do it!

Here’s what I suggest: Ask someone (your mom, a friend, your sister) to join you in this venture. It’s always easier to exercise when you have someone with you. Then find an exercise you enjoy (skating, walking, biking, etc.) and start small. For example, just walk around your neighborhood one time tomorrow. Then try to increase it a bit each day.

I joined a fitness club and have made myself get up at 5 a.m. and exercise before coming to the office. Knowing that I had paid for the membership helped motivate me to keep my exercise commitment. Keep in touch with us and let us know how it’s going, OK? We love you just as you are, but we’re proud of you for wanting to be healthier!