No fear in perfect love
It's estimated that approximately two thousand classified fears exist. What's interesting is that psychiatrists say we are born with only two innate ones: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. This means we learn every other fear; which means we can unlearn every other fear. We are all shaped by our upbringing and life events. These defining experiences either plant a seed of confidence or a seed of uncertainty, a seed of hope or a seed of vulnerability, a seed of faith or a seed of fear.
John expresses the heart of our relationship with God: 'There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear' (1 John 4:8 NIV). The words 'perfect love' do not describe our love for God; rather God's unconditional, unfailing love for us.
A pastor writes: 'The goal of love is fearlessness! As we grow in a love relationship with God, we unlearn the fears that paralyse us and neutralise us spiritually. That is the essence of faith. Faith is the process of unlearning your irrational fears. The only God-ordained fear is the fear of God. And if we fear [love, honour, reverence and respect] God, we don't have to fear anyone or anything else. Unlearning our fears is really a process of learning to trust God more and more.'
So what now? God has promised you that he will never leave or desert you. So you can boldly say: 'The Lord helps me! Why should I be afraid' (Hebrews 13:6 CEV)?
— SCRIPTURE —
'Perfect love drives out fear.' 1 John 4:18 NIV
— SOULFOOD —
Deut 1-2, Matt 11:20-30, Ps 42:6-11 , Pro 16:17-19
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