Fear

First of all, hello to all my readers. I had no idea Steve Jeavons was reading!! Welcome, and I have replied to your post on good firday. Hello Matt, and Ariel! You gave a post! I should have been watching more... Hello mom, and I think I now have something to say back.

Second of all there has been a lack of pictures on this thing due to my time. So here is a photo:

Not random: if you can read it: it speaks of God's love towards us, and someone (Natanya) has taken the time to capture it with her camera. An image of an image. It's like those mirrors that go on and on. One day I will post pictures of my friends here and intoduce them.

Now what my thought is this morning is about the nature of fear. I have been thinking about love (and in consequence fear) yesterday and today, and have a few things that are quickly forming into questions.

The only thing we are to fear is God, according to the bible.

What happens when we fear people? It seems like a very respectful thing to do, and even humble, but I am beginning to wonder if it is not a cause of lots of chaos in relationships. God usually does not give us unhelpful advice. If we are to fear him only then there must be a good reason.

I think that is the amazing thing about Juanita. She seems to not fear people.

I am terrified of people. They can (and do) hurt you a lot. But the more I am afraid of being hurt, the more I realize how much God has loved, and loves, even being hurt. This means that taking my cue from him and imitating Him, I can love beyond fear.

Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love…

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.
(This is found in that peculiar book, In Mr. John’s first epistle, chapter 4)

Apparently fearing God is different than fearing people.

(Question forming here)


I am wondering if fearing people is not a very selfish thing, that is exalting people, but ends up making you use them. You use them because you no longer treat them as equals. Fear of people will make you avoid them, which is impossible, and because you need them you will end up using them for what you need and no more.

These are vague raw thoughts, I know, but I thought I would post them. I will continue to wonder.

Please, dear readers, do not fear to post … ;)