Love removes fear

What is the opposite of love? Hate is the obvious answer- but that’s not it.

Some opposites are obvious- hot/cold, peace/war, dead/alive- but the opposite of love is:

Fear.

Hate, revenge, and the other things we consider to be opposites of love are simply results of a lack of love. Jesus told us that this would be one of the things we experience, and explained why:

“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” (Matthew 24:12) We live in a time where the things of God and His Kingdom are far from us. The love of material things, seeking the pleasures and comforts of our consumer society- have replaced the love of God. Our churches preach that living the Gospel will bring financial and material rewards. ‘Your good life now’ ‘Claiming your blessings’ ‘happiness and financial comfort are the rewards of Faith’.

This is not true. No such promises have been made.

There is a lot of fear in the world today. Fear of the virus, fear of not having things like toilet paper, food, that ‘special relationship’- have replaced the security of God’s love. If you seek first the joy of God’s love, the rewards of that special relationship with Jesus- you will not be afraid of not having these material things. You will have the secure knowledge that no matter what- everything is going to be ok.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18). That perfect Love- seeking God and His love- removes all fear from our lives.

Unlike love- fear is a negative emotion. It does not motivate- it causes anxiety. It causes depression, anger, and hatred. It will paralyze. It will destroy you.

Jesus gave a rather straightforward and stark lesson on this to his disciples: “And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” (Luke 12:4-5)

You will not even fear death if you have that relationship with God, the love that drives out all fear. Seek that love. And when you seek that love- that is when good things will follow. You won’t worry about not having toilet paper, or food, or dying of a virus. That is when you will have peace- and be satisfied with whatever it is God has put into your life.

“The only thing we have to fear- is fear itself”