I’ve been surprised over the last weeks how much fear has been expressed by numerous friends about the possibility of Obama getting elected. Now he has been. What to do with all that lingering fear floating around?
I’ve been dealing with this for years – after I speak – nearly every time…a few people come up to me and say something like “nice talk about Jesus and Muslims, but…” The “but” they insert is typically followed by something about Muslims being scary and that we need to fight the terrrorists.
Fear is a powerful motivator. There’s been plenty of that in this election. Of course, no one says “be afraid.” Wouldn’t sound godly. It’s called “Wisdom.” “Responsibility.” Or just “be aware.”
I just finished reading Romans 12. It says “don’t repay evil with evil.” “Don’t take revenge.” “Love your enemies.”
It’s pretty clear that only God is to be feared. If we’re afraid of someone, it becomes impossible to love them.
Regardless of who you voted for, now is the time to drive out any remaining fear with love. Three thoughts on how we might do this:
1. Only say positive things about Obama and where this nation might be headed. Don’t say anything negative. Nothing. Not to anyone. Sounds simple, but it’s not easy.
2. Do not read any emails that breed fear. If you find yourself angry or fearful after reading an email, know that that email is not of God. Delete and do not forward.
3. Learn something positive about whoever or whatever it is that you’re afraid of. It might take a bit of work, but find out all the good things about that person or thing.
Do this and you will live in freedom. We need to be people of hope, faith and love. And the greatest of these is love.
carl
