Memorials of Faith or Fear? by Margaret Manning

Take approximately 5 minutes to read this shortened version of yesterday's 'A Slice of Infinity'. Post comments to the blog for spiritual collaboration. Please email your prayer requests too.

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 1 John 4:18

...In some ways, a culture of fear invaded our nation on 9/11, just as it often invades my heart. Even as I write this, fears over our economy loom large as investment banks fold and the stock market declines. There are always fears, but as people of Christian faith, what do our fears say of our witness in this world? What do they say about what we love and value? Do our lives memorialize what we are afraid of, rather than giving witness to the God who tells us “fear not”? Oh, fear is real--there are always situations, issues, and trends that keep us awake at night. The issue is not the absence of fear, but whether or not our posture toward our world is one that memorializes fear or faith. Memorials are not built to help us hang on to fear. Rather, they remind us of what or who we love. The epistle of John encourages us to build a memorial of faith: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out all fear” (1 John 4:18). As we think about this kind of love, may our own hearts be filled to overflowing with faith that conquers our fears.

Comments: Last week our fellow COUGAR, Pat Castle, heard the news that his family had been in a car accident. Brian Curtis, a fellow Cougar, has a mom with cancer. Across our world, child trafficking is an epidemic. I cannot think of three things that would cause more fear in my life than those listed above.

I used to think that the opposite of love was hate. Nonetheless, today's verse speaks to the idea that the opposite of love is fear.

How can I develop such a perfect love for God and for my brothers and sisters that I do not fear, cancer, abduction and pain? I think the answer lies in our closeness to God Himself. If we can hear God speak to us, and if we love and trust His decisions, how could we fear?

For why fear man who can only kill the body? The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

I am almost finished with William P. Young's book, 'The Shack'. It is a compelling read and a roller coaster of fear/anger/trust. It is a novel, not a theological text, but I do highly recommend reading it. I think it is something that would be worthwhile purchasing several copies and giving them out.

Love you in Christ,
Chad