Love and Fear

5 July 2026

By Pastor John - Senior Pastor

What would you say was the opposite of fear? I looked it up on the web and got some good answers: courage, bravery, confidence, calmness, and composure to name a few. These are all good answers, but I don’t think they are the best answer. I would argue that, at the deepest level, the opposite of fear is love.

Consider the following contrasts:

Love is focused on others.

Fear is focused on protecting oneself.

Love thinks no evil.

Fear broods over potential evil.

Love focuses on the present.

Fear frets over the future.

Love moves us towards involvement with others.

Fear forces us into withdrawal and isolation from others.

Love is based on fact and on faith.

Fear is based on emotion and distrust.

Love is the highest expression of our humanity and Christ-likeness.

Fear is a base, instinctive reaction driven, so many psychologist say, by our ‘reptilian’ brain.

Love is the mark of a Christian who trusts God.

Fear is a mark of doubt and lack of faith in God.

Nevertheless, fear does have its place. As sinners we must fear the Holy God who will not tolerate our wickedness and independence. The fear of the Lord should compel us to seek his forgiveness. Thankfully, we are not without hope. Because of his great love God has provided for our greatest need though the death of his Son on our behalf.

Consequently we can say with the Apostle John, ‘There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear’ (1 John 4:18). The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, for it leads us into his all-embracing love.