May 12, 2021

Love and hate are traditionally cast as opposites. The bible suggests that the antithesis of love is, in fact, fear. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.” (1 John 4:18)

Well, since most of us haven’t reached the perfection stage of love in our lives, there is still plenty of room for fear. That’s why the command to “fear not” is in the bible so many times. It’s been said that there are 365 references to fearing not in Scripture – one for each day of the year! Sweet idea, but not exactly true. Still, the invitation to trust rather than fear is all over the Old and New Testaments.

Of course, there is a Perfect Love. As far as I know, He is the only antidote to fear. He is the Driver-Outer. Every single day – including today!

“Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Proper 20 – BCP p. 234)