Beware of the Spirit of Fear
By: Faith Voters
Tags: Christianity, Fear, Politics, Scripture, Bible

The first thing every angel says when acting as God’s messenger, and one of Jesus’ most repeated statements is: “Do not be afraid.”

However, in the politics of late, fear has been a compelling argument for many to vote in ways that go against their values. This fear of being on the “losing” side has pushed some to abandon the values we hold dear and overlook those who aren’t upholding them, trading them instead for promises of doing whatever it takes to come out on top.

From immigration to racial divisions to economic inequality, fear has replaced compassion in many instances. This is not what the Bible says, though.

As we see in Isaiah 35:4, “Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.’”

We know that the promises of God are more powerful than the promises of the leaders in power, as it is written in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Instead of basing our votes and actions on fear, scripture tells us to remember God’s love: “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow — not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love” (Romans 8:38–39).

When we buy into the rhetoric of fear that this administration has pushed on Americans, we forget what God wanted us to remember in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Similarly, we know that “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out dear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).

Scripture is full of directions not to be afraid. Why should we let fear stop us from loving our neighbor, caring for the poor, and living out our faith?

For more scripture references on this topic, please check out the following:

· Psalm 23:4 — “Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

· Psalm 27:1 — “The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?”

· Psalm 118:6 — “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

· Psalm 115:11 — “You who fear him, trust in the LORD — he is their help and shield.”

· Psalm 103:17 — “But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.”

· Psalm 56:3–4 — “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise — in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

· Romans 8:15 — “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”

· Isaiah 43:1 — “But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”

· Joshua 1:9 — “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

· Deuteronomy 31:6 — “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

· Isaiah 41:13–14 — “‘For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you,’ declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.”

· Proverbs 29:25 — “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”

· Mark 4:39–40 — “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

· Mark 5:36 — “Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’”

We are wrapping up our series soon, but check back next week for how President Trump defies biblical leadership. If you missed last week, don’t forget to read “Healing Racial Divides.”