What is the Opposite of Fear? Answer = Love

"Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." Colossians 3:13

Fear is one of the most destructive forces in relationships. It never motivates us to do the right thing. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Unhealthy fear is not from God. Unhealthy fear includes, fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear from envy, fear from greed, etc. Healthy fear is an appreciation of the danger associated with things that can harm us like snakes, heights, fire, wild animals, criminals, etc. Healthy fear is a defense mechanism from God to protect us from danger.

Men typically mask their fear by trying to be macho. Women typically don't hide their fear. Whether fear is masked or visible, unhealthy fear will cause destruction in relationships. Fear is at the core of disagreements, anger, anxiety, and relationship problems. Recognizing unhealthy fear and dealing with it strengthens relationships and one's ability to love others.

To get rid of unhealthy fear, we must learn to identify it, understand it—and then disarm it. Much of our fear has to do with our basic need to be loved. We all want to be loved, which is why we fear rejection.

When you fear being rejected, you close your heart in order to protect yourself. That way, if you are rejected, it won’t hurt so much.

This fear of rejection damages intimacy. Often we ask God to change our boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse so they will not reject us. This is looking at the problem from the outside in. What we should do, is ask God for the strength to do what is best for God and for our boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse. We are the one's who need to change most.

To love others and to experience strong loving relationships, ask God to take your fears and fill you with love, power, and a sound mind. Ask your boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse to do the same.

My brother often says, love is doing what is best for God and for others. When that is our goal, to do what is best for God and for others, fear melts away. Why?

Because, we take the focus off of ourselves and we focus on God and others. When we do what is best for them, love them, help them, and expect nothing in return, the sting of rejection, envy, jealousy, and pride is gone. At that point, unhealthy fear has NO control over us. We are Free.

Love = What is best for God & Others