1 John 4:18

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.

In this day and season of crisis, fear is working behind every door.  As a Christian leader I see the manifestation of fear constantly working both in the Church and in the world around us.  I want to submit this key thought to you all today.  It is a simple path that runs directly opposite of fear.   If you are fighting fear today, or you simply want to grow in the love of God, John gives us a simple strategic pathway to defeat fear in our lives.  In verses 16 and 17 proceeding this verse above, John nails it.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.

In this world we are like Jesus. (Imitate Jesus and love.)  The key to driving out fear is imitating Jesus.  Choose to love those around.  Don’t focus on fear, make the choice to love someone else.  Here are a few simple ways to start.  Practice these and invite Him in.

Pray for other people to be blessed and protected.

Express kind words to people around you.  Say hi and smile out of choice and not how you feel.

Give a kindness to someone that you normally would not.  Ask someone today, “Can I pray for you?”

Do you see it?  Simply ask God to fill you with His love, start now, grow in it, focus on it.  It could take over your whole life.  Be like Jesus, start today.  Love someone and that love, His presence in you, will drive out fear!