The Christian is not to be a promoter of fear. Jesus has rescued us, even from the fear of death, so we do not need to fear those who might take our life. Believers, who have put the weight of their whole trust on the Lord, know better than to fear. Fearing people keeps us from loving them. Fearing keeps us from boldness in our witness. Fear can shut down evangelism. It can shut down hope. It creates a climate that paralyzes. It takes joy out of the moment. It makes us fail to see the creative thing God would have us do.
But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah 43:1-2 (NKJV)
