Fear No Fear

“Let none of you consider evil plans in your heart against your neighbor, and do not love false oaths, for I hate all these things, says the Lord” (Zechariah 8:17, MEV). It’s one thing to say to yourself that you don’t like that one neighbour. It’s quite another to plot against them. This could be actively planning to bring them problems and issues – even the mean-spirited ‘pranking’ that is gaining in popularity. This could also be you spending your mental energy imagining scenarios where they earn their ‘just desserts’. This is NOT a loving attitude. This is NOT being a good neighbour period. This is – at its core – hate. Your automatic stance might be that you’d never do that, but look at the reality of today’s society. Arguments and grievances are on the rise. Little disagreements get out of hand and spiral into vendettas with – sometimes – fatal results. It’s  very human to get bent out of shape. It’s even more human to want to cheer when those we don’t like fall. But this is NOT God’s way. Not for Himself and not for His children (Psalm 35:25). Love does not blame. Love does not hold grudges. Even when we don’t allow ourselves to be doormats, we’re meant to be loving (Matthew 5:39). We’re meant to bless. We’re meant to treat people like they are the precious creation of God made in His image – even when they can’t see it themselves. If we rely on His Spirit and the Fruit we’re offered, we can be known by His love (John 13:35). We can be something truly extraordinary: witnesses to His life-changing power.