So how do you combat fear? Well, you love.
Fear is based on the idea that something terrible might happen to us–it forces us to look at our own interests. In contrast, love faces outward, and thinks about others.
The scripture tells us that “Perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18) And while that verse is actually talking about how God’s love for us removes every reason we have to fear, it also serves as a template for how we should relate to others here on earth.
Fear says, “Oh no, another food production plant went up in smoke. I better hoard some food. I hope I have enough ammunition so I can defend myself against my neighbors.” But Love says, “Let’s work together, and support each other through this crisis, and we will be fine.”
When we are all terrified little defensive islands, we are easily conquered. Our fear is a weapon against us that benefits those who would divide and conquer us. This is true whether you are talking about a physical enemy or a spiritual one–or both at the same time.
Fear isolates; fear torments. Fear seeks vengeance.
Love unifies; love comforts. Love forgives.
And that is our heavenly Father’s plan for us, to be unified in love. And not just any kind of love, it’s the love described in 1 Corinthians 13; that is, an unselfish love that cares for the beloved more than self. It’s the way you would treat yourself if you could arrange for someone else to do it. It’s true love, the kind that lasts forever.
Love (charity)
- long suffering
- kind;
- doesn’t envy;
- not proud or vain,
- is well-mannered, polite,
- doesn’t try to gain advantage,
- is not easily provoked,
- thinks no evil;
- rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
- bears all things,
- believes all things,
- hopes all things,
- endures all things.
- never fails
The Fullers Four 