Fear

Published: August 04, 2023
Post updated: August 04, 2023
By: Brian C Jenkins

We’re all familiar with the responsibility of paying bills. Whether out of necessity, desire, or obligation, we must pay for what we consume. If we cannot pay in full, we seek and agree for companies to assist us. The price tag is the charge of interest. While we understand that unforeseen circumstances can happen, we keep track of payment deadlines. Letting go of our hard-earned money can be disheartening, especially when companies add a late fee because they haven’t received payment promptly.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2 Timothy 1:7

In his letter to Timothy, Paul reminds us that we are not given a spirit of fear but rather one of power, love, and self-control. Therefore, if we find ourselves lacking in these areas, the root cause may be that we are succumbing to fear.

What is Fear?

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.

1 John 4:18

According to the Bible, fear is linked to punishment, which refers to imposing a penalty as a form of retribution for an offense. If someone lives in a state of fear, they are likely to prioritize being alarmed, frightened, or terrorized as a consequence of their actions.

Synonyms for Fear

alarm; angst; anxiety; concern; despair; dismay; doubt; horror; panic; scare; suspicion; terror; uneasiness; worry; agitation; apprehensiveness; aversion; consternation; cowardice; distress; reverence

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen, help, and uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

In the initial scenario, we were reminded of the emotions we experience when encountering financial difficulties and insecurity. We face late fees or penalties when we delay paying the bills we commit to settling. This exemplifies the fear of financial stability and individual freedom – continuously working without ever enjoying life. Additionally, we fear that paying one bill may cause us to fall short of others. Although it could be anything, it’s important to remember that God advises us not to fear.

Fear can affect many aspects of our lives, not just bill payments. It can impact our relationships, social interactions, conflict resolution, and decision-making processes. As Christians, if we lack power, love, and self-control in certain areas, we should trust God more and not let our fears hinder His flow in our lives.

The Sin of Fear

The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

Proverbs 29:25

Choosing fear over God can lead to a trap of our own making, even if unintentional. According to God, fearing others can trap us and add an extra “late fee” to our problems. This fear can manifest in many ways. While most people prefer having a sensible conversation about their feelings to effect change, some are so afraid to talk that they’d rather suffer in silence than confront the issue with each other.

Many individuals feel ashamed to confide in their loved ones about their struggles, whether emotional pain or failed attempts. Instead, they pretend everything is fine and suffer alone. The choice to suffer internally occurs frequently, and while the scenarios may vary, those of us with faith in Jesus are reminded not to fear anyone or anything in these circumstances.

The situation would significantly improve if someone would use the truth. However, many people would instead rely on demonic tools such as lying to either twist or omit the facts simply because they fear the outcome of what the truth may bring.

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

Ephesians 4:15

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.

1 John 4:18

As followers of Jesus Christ, we must reach a level of faith where we can trust in God even when faced with fear.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. I trust in God, whose word I praise; I shall not be frightened. What can f esh do to me?

Psalm 56:3-4

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or dread them, for it is the Lord your God who is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

In the scriptures, God never promised to punish us if we repent and return to him. He took the initiative and sent Jesus to bear the punishment for our sins. Consequently, if we turn back to him, he will forgive us. This is a sure promise we can rely on.

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 John 1:5-10

Fear God

As Christians, we should also consider fearing God in addition to what we have already covered about fear. The scriptures instruct us to do so; exploring this further is essential.

The list of fear synonyms above includes a standout word: reverence. Reverence means deep respect for someone or something, particularly holding God and His perspectives in the highest regard. If God says something, it should be accepted and believed without question. If something doesn’t make sense or seems too complicated, praying for help in areas that don’t align with God’s will is essential. However, without God, it is unavoidable to become stuck, having created traps.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

Psalm 111:10

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.

Proverbs 14:27

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech, I hate.

Proverbs 8:13

The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.

Proverbs 19:23

When we approach life with a reverence for God and a deep respect for his perspective, we do so with power, love, and self-control—not fear. The central issue is our faith and willingness to obey the Lord. When we turn to God, he promises us new opportunities for mercy. If only we could learn to walk by faith and not by sight.

The Past

Fear is a versatile emotion that can link to anything. When appropriately used, fear can help protect us from danger and prevent our children from acting recklessly. It’s perfectly acceptable to use fear as a warning sign. However, some people allow this warning sign to overshadow the truth in any situation, which can become problematic. As believers in Christ, it’s important to avoid operating with a spirit of fear. One way to do this is to prevent using childhood trauma as an anchor in our adult lives.

As a child, I spoke like a child, thought like a child, and reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.

1 Corinthians 13:11

Let’s get Baby Geeky

Generational relationships are affected by two main factors. The first factor is the difference in upbringing between parents and their children. Baby boomers and Gen Xers handled life differently, while millennials require a deeper understanding of things. Being instructed without explanation caused significant issues, not just within the home but also in the church. The lack of transparency forced millennials to look for answers outside the church.

The second factor is those who blamed God and embraced their way. Although it may initially seem exciting, this tactic is most likely born from a selfish perspective. Without God, we only have ourselves to rely on. If we cannot figure things out independently, culture is the only other place to turn.

Two devices that can destroy generational relationships are an unwillingness to be transparent and tell the truth and a refusal to embrace the changes that each new generation brings. Both of these devices are born from excessive fear.

When people are unwilling to be transparent, they fear the unknown of what could happen or that vulnerability will result in punishment. When people refuse to embrace change, they hold onto the past excessively and fear the future.

A Legitimate Suggestion

The best approach is always to be truthful and honest. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are responsible for speaking the truth, and no one should withhold it. Trying to solve problems as we did as children often comes from a place of fear, but as adults, we should aim to solve problems in a way that aligns with God’s teachings. The world may encourage rebellion and disobedience, but we should strive for self-control and abstinence. Remember, God’s love offers true freedom.

And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

Luke 1:50

To overcome difficult situations, we must surrender our past, present, and future to Jesus. Fear can be a hindrance that keeps us from fully experiencing Jesus’ greatness. Don’t let your past control your decision to follow Jesus today. Instead, run toward him rather than away from him.

The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.

Psalm 25:14

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. If you feel inclined, please share how God has blessed your life in the comments section. If you are in need of prayer or guidance, our Facebook group called “Christ Seekers” is available to you. Our prayer warriors are eager to offer support and assistance in any way they can, even if it’s just pointing you in the right direction.