Afraid or fear

22  September 2011

Acts 9:26 And when he had come to Jerusalem he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.

When Paul returned to Jerusalem and met with the early Church Council they were afraid of him, because of who he had been and the reputation that preceded him. The people on this Council were devout Christians, filled with the Holy Spirit yet they were afraid of Paul. In this regard they were afraid, but were not filled with fear. To be afraid is to be human, we are all afraid of what may happen that may hurt or harm us. Being afraid however does not stop us from continuing even though we are afraid, fear on the other hand prevents us from doing so.

Being afraid is to be cautious and to think the situation through and then rationally continue. Being afraid of snakes is not the same as fearing snakes, so when you are afraid of a snake you cautiously kill it, when you fear snakes you run away leaving others to have to deal with the snake. Being afraid does not mean that you do not have faith, faith overcomes the fear in the knowledge that nothing will hurt or harm you, because God loves you.

Be encouraged today not to be filled with fear but to be cautious.

David

Point to ponder: Being afraid is to be cautious.  

Question to consider: Are you often afraid or fearful?