Love is the answer for fear

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2Timothy 1:7
 
We do not need to look far, these days, to see the signs of fear and panic as we continue getting frequent news updates on Covid-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus.
I work in a medical office inside a major retail/warehouse chain and I have seen a daily increase in public fear and panic as evidenced in the growing crowds of shoppers rushing in to stock up on everything from toilet paper and cleaning supplies to frozen foods and everything in between.
If ever there was a time to remember to live the life God has called you to, to do what matters, and to spend time with your loved ones, it’s now.
Rather than succumbing to fear and worry, focus on the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galations 5:22-23
Again, the Spirit of God gives us the answer to uncertain times. He gives us self-discipline/self-control – and love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and power!
Now is the time for we who are followers of Jesus, we who share in the unity of Spirit with Jesus as He shares with God to live out that unity. When Jesus prayed in John 17:20-23 for complete unity among believers so that the world will believe that Jesus was sent by God and that God loves us just as he loves Jesus, it should be put into practice all the time and especially to bring calm at such a time as this.
In 1 John 4:18, we read that perfect love casts out all fear (18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.)
If we really knew how greatly God loves us, we would know not to be afraid.
Be an ambassador of God’s love wherever you are, to whomever you encounter.
People need to know God loves them and WE are the ones who have been tasked with showing them by standing together in unity in Jesus.
Choose to allow the fruit of the Spirit to emanate from you in every word, every action, every response, at work, at home, and at the grocery store.
Speak love and peace into every situation. Love your neighbours, have a kind word for the person who loads up their cart with the last 4 packages of toilet paper.
People are afraid because they don’t know that God loves them.
Love them. And remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
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Have a wonderful week and remember to wash your hands.