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what are you afraid of?

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

What are you afraid of?

What keeps you up at night?

Fear can terrorize us. It can prevent us from accomplishing things. It can destroy relationships. So, what is the antidote for fear?

Love.

Love drives out fear. I don’t fear my wife because I know she loves me. We know God loves us, too. This drives out fear. We don’t have to fear tomorrow because God loves us and said He will provide. We don’t have to fear death because Jesus’ love on the cross overcame it. We don’t have to fear the authorities of the world because they can’t separate us from Jesus.

One of the saddest stories I hear from pastors are from when they were visiting church members on their deathbeds and the member asks,

“Pastor, do you think I’ve done enough to get into Heaven?”

That’s fear talking. To quote a popular Christian song, “Fear is a liar.” The great joy of those stories is the pastor being able to reassure that person of the love and grace of Jesus. They have nothing to fear. It’s not about what they’ve done. It’s about what Jesus did out of love for them. There is nothing to fear.

What fears do you have? Give them to God.

[Cast] all your anxieties on [the Lord], because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5

Heavenly Father,

Your love is greater than this world and even my sin. Thank you for loving me. There are things I’m fearful of. Today, I bring them to You and ask for Your peace.

(Name the things you are afraid of)

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt