Fear Is An Enemy -Now What?

Fear is an enemy for all of us whether we know it or not. We all are like Gandolf in this great painting. God’s goal in Christ is to free us from fear, but it is hard for us to get there. First, let’s look at God and see what he says in two passages in 1 John.

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”

This is from 1 Jn 2:1. We are past condemnation and fear in our relationship with God.  God, help us live from love and not fear with You.

Then John goes on to say this startling thought.

¹⁸ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Wow. In one verse, He cashiers fear. However, we all still fear. God knows we are not perfect, but He here tells us a remarkable truth. He wants us to be totally free of fear. He even gives us the path. Thank you God. Can we believe and grasp this much love? It really is about Faith, Hope, and Love.

Let us here think about even how to pursue that path.

If I want to not fear, then I need to love more perfectly. Really?

Is God saying something unrealistic?

Fear is an Enemy God Hates

First, the Creator God of the universe has adopted me as his child and promised to feed and clothe me and provide me a home with Him forever. Secondly, He has further said that nothing will happen to me that he does not want to have happen. He has me totally covered.

So, why do I worry about my business? Why do I worry about my family relationships? Why do I worry about my health? Why don’t I just accept love in each of these?  God is willing. Are we ready to change power packs? We need to replace fear with God’s love and with choosing to love others instead of fear.

The easy answer to why I fear is my love is not perfect. It is true, isn’t it?

However, God did not give us this verse to punish us or make us feel bad.  He offered us this gift. Can we grasp it one small piece at a time?