You believe that God is love, then know this: "There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So, the one who fears is not complete in love" (1 John 4:18, CSB). If you struggle with fear, add to your faith, and trust God. Why? Because God is love; so, let the love from God flow through you and touch every fiber of your being. Lose yourself in God's love.
We have nothing to fear with God's love because God is omnipotent, and nothing will ever overpower God's love. We cannot come to this knowledge of the truth concerning love unless the Spirit of the Lord abides in us. One of the things that we come to understand from Scripture is that love is key to overcoming this world's trials and tribulations. "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid" (Psalm 27:1, KJ2000).
When we love our neighbors, we do not live in fear that they will harm us, steal from us, or lie to us. When we love our spouse, we do not live in fear that they will betray us. When we love our enemies, we trust God to protect us. We have it on good authority that love is the greatest commandment, and God did not give us a spirit of fear. Just like light overcomes darkness, love overcomes fear.
Jesus emphasizes His love for us, and we should emphasize our love for others. Jesus did not fear giving His life for humankind; can we put aside our fears and offer the same courage. Are you willing to die for a brother or sister? The Word of God says: "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15:13, NLT). Remember, allowing love to flow through you is the key to overcoming fear. Like David, "I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4, ESV). God not only delivered me from fear, God delivered me from breast cancer and restored my health. When my baby was only three years old, God delivered her from a watery grave. Take refuge in the Lord and "Don't worry about anything but pray about everything" (Philippians 4:6, CEV).
Minister Nettie Pennington, Associate Minister, Springfield MB Church
