Mtr Kelli Joyce

Dear friends in Christ,

This morning I want to talk about fear. I am the sort of person who is often anxious, even in the best of times. And we are not, I think it's fair to say, currently living in the best of times. Every day it seems as though there's something new to mourn or fret over.

Perhaps you think I'm about to explain to you why actually, as Christians, we shouldn't be afraid. It's certainly true that the words "fear not" appear frequently in Scripture, usually spoken by God or one of God's messengers. Whether it's Moses to the Israelites before he parts the Red Sea, or Gabriel when suddenly appearing to Mary of Nazareth, or Christ to his friends when they spot him walking on the water, there are many examples of people being told "don't worry, it's okay."

These words are meant to reassure the hearers that they are not in danger, even though what they are experiencing is extraordinary and supernatural. And they reflect the deeper truth that God did not create us to live lives defined by fear, and that God does not seek to cause fear in us. ("There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, for fear has to do with punishment," the author of 1 John writes.)

But sometimes these words intended for our comfort are twisted into a weapon. Sometimes people will use them to say that it's wrong or faithless for us ever to be afraid, or even that it's a sin to fear. The truth is, healthy fear in response to real danger is a gift from God. It's a warning sign meant not to crush or torment us, but to keep us from things that would harm us. Courage, as they say, is not a matter of being unafraid - it's about how we choose to live in light of the reality of fear.

I don't mean to tell you that you should or shouldn't feel fear. What I do mean to say is that it's important for us to find a balance between two extremes: a life so stunted and ruled by fear that it's sapped of all joy on the one hand, and reckless and unjustified fearlessness that endangers our wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around us on the other hand. God loves us and wants us to flourish. It's okay to be afraid when faced with uncertainty and danger. And then, afraid or not, we must make the brave choice to continue living and acting in accordance with the bold love and peace of Christ.

Mtr Kelli