Fear

Luke 22:44

He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.

In Greek, agony means anxiety produced by fear prior to a battle, wrestling match, or fight; the kind of fear that doesn’t run away, but rather runs into the battle.

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.

Perfect love is when one has such a relationship with God, in which they encounter His all-encompassing love, that they find themselves complete in Him and Him alone.

Sanctification, or the process of being made holy

The love relationship we have with our Heavenly Father becomes the filter through which we see all of life.

1 John 4:16–17

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.

1 John 4:9–10

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

What do you do when you mess up, run from God or run to God?

1 John 3:1

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? 

The distinction between cowardly and brave is not skill. It’s a willingness to go into battle, not run away from it, because whatever you trust is greater than your fear.

Is it possible you have turned that fear into a function of God because your life revolves around it?

1 John 4:4

But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 

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.”

Joshua 1:9

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 (MSG)

Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.”