Faith

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Reflection

If we believe we are not alone, and understand how we are loved and forgiven, are we still fearful? Speaking for myself, even though I know God is with me, and I know I am loved and forgiven, at times, I still wonder if people are going to like me, and I’m afraid when I face changes. I also know that these fears don’t help me follow Jesus! What are some of the fears that you have?

I am not talking about healthy fears. There is nothing wrong with being cautious if you are alone at night, or if someone is extremely angry and you fear they may become violent. These are fears to which we need to respond in an appropriate way. Instead, I am talking about fears like wanting to be liked, or fears of meeting new people, or advocating for someone who has been mistreated, and so on.

If we believe that Jesus is truly with us, and we know we are loved (faults and all), we won’t be as afraid of helping others to advocate for themselves. What do we have to fear? We are never alone: God has given us the Holy Spirit, and, just as He did with Moses, He will give us the right words to say if only we open our heart, mind and soul to Him.

Who is it that you fear? Do you know why you are afraid of them? Perhaps they are mean to you or intimidate you in some way. Maybe it is your boss, and you are afraid he or she might fire you. It could even be someone in your own family. When I am fearful, I try to remember that my whole purpose in living is to grow in love for God and His people. Also, I am to learn to love myself in a healthy way. Nothing else matters. If someone is hurtful to me, I may need to stand up for myself, and express that I don’t appreciate being talked to in that way. I must have courage to say, “Is there something I have done to make you angry or resentful of me?” When you say this, you are loving yourself, as well as the other person, by asking if you have done something to offend them. You can do this because you are a beloved son or daughter of God—and so are they!

Sometimes, we get anxious and make ourselves afraid for no reason. It isn’t about the person; it is how we respond to them. I realize it is sometimes hard to face our fears when we feel upset or afraid. This is why daily prayer is so important. When we are open to God’s peace and love, we will grow in faith and not being fearful.

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