Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear is, "Joining Jesus on His mission with faith before fear ".
In today's world, fear is a common emotion that many people experience on a daily basis. It can be easy to let fear control us and prevent us from living the life that we truly desire. However, as believers, we have been called to join Jesus on his mission, and to do so with faith instead of fear. This means trusting in his love and power, and believing that he is always with us, no matter what challenges we may face. In this essay, we will explore the importance of joining Jesus on his mission with faith before fear, and how this can transform our lives and the world around us.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." - 1 John 4:18 (NIV)
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives his disciples the Great Commission, saying, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
This passage reminds us that Jesus has called us to join him on his mission, which is to make disciples of all nations. He promises to be with us always, giving us the strength and courage that we need to overcome any obstacle. When we approach this mission with faith before fear, we are able to trust in his love and power, knowing that he is always with us, guiding us and protecting us.
The death of a friend is always a challenging experience that can leave us feeling lost and hopeless. We often find ourselves searching for answers, looking for something to hold onto in the midst of the pain and confusion. During times like these, it can be helpful to turn to the words of Jesus in John 10:7-9, where he says, "I am the gate for the sheep. Whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture."
These words remind us that Jesus is the gate that leads to salvation and eternal life. No matter how dark and difficult our circumstances may be, we can trust that he is always there, waiting for us to enter through him and find the comfort and rest that we need. This promise is especially powerful in the midst of social and political
polarization, where we may feel like the world is spinning out of control and we have no safe haven.
When we take Jesus on his offer and enter through him, we can find the peace that surpasses all understanding. We can trust that he is always with us, guiding us through the ups and downs of life, and that he has a plan for our lives that is good and full of hope. Even when we face the loss of a loved one, we can take comfort in the fact that they have entered through the gate and found the pasture that Jesus promises.
In times of grief and uncertainty, it can be challenging to keep things in perspective. We may be tempted to focus on the pain and the loss, rather than on the hope and the promise that Jesus offers us. But when we choose to enter through the gate and follow him, we can see our circumstances through his eyes and
trust that he is working all things together for our good.
Also, taking Jesus on his offer to be the gate for the sheep is an invitation to trust in his love and care for us, even in the midst of our darkest moments. By entering through him, we can find the peace and rest that we need, and we can trust that he will guide us through the challenges of life. So let us hold onto the words of John 10:7-9, and remember that Jesus is always with us, leading us to the pasture where we will find eternal rest. Joining Jesus on his mission with faith before fear is a powerful way to live our lives as believers. It allows us to trust in his love and power, and to believe that he is always with us, no matter what challenges we may face. As we go forth and make disciples of all nations, let us remember the words of 1 John 4:18, and trust in the perfect love that casts out all fear.
Another example of fear when a Republican and a Democrat become emotional over their individual truth politically could be during a heated debate about a particular policy or candidate. Both individuals may feel strongly about their political beliefs, and may become emotional when the other person challenges their viewpoint. In this scenario, fear may arise in several ways.
Firstly, the fear of being wrong or of losing the argument may cause both individuals to become defensive and more entrenched in their beliefs. They may be afraid of admitting that they may not have all the answers or that they may have made a mistake in their political stance.
Secondly, the fear of the other person's political beliefs may cause them to become fearful of the consequences of the other person's political choices. They may be afraid
of the potential negative impact of the other person's political beliefs on their own lives, families, and communities.
Thirdly an example of fear when a Republican and a Democrat become emotional over their individual truth politically can be seen in the heated debates and discussions that occur in today's polarized political climate. In such situations, fear may arise due to the perceived threat that the other person's beliefs pose to one's own values and beliefs. This fear can lead to a breakdown in communication and a lack of understanding between individuals on opposite sides of the political spectrum.
Finally, the fear of being misunderstood or misrepresented may cause both individuals to become fearful of the other person's intentions. They may be afraid that the other person is not genuinely interested in
understanding their viewpoint or that they may have ulterior motives.
In all of these scenarios, fear can be a powerful force that can prevent individuals from engaging in productive dialogue and finding common ground. However, by recognizing and acknowledging these fears, individuals can begin to overcome them and work towards a more constructive and collaborative political discourse. By focusing on respect, empathy, and understanding, individuals can learn to communicate effectively and work together towards shared goals, even if they do not always agree on every issue.
However for those who are believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to approach such situations with faith instead of fear. We are called to seek common ground, to listen to one another, and to show love and respect
even in the face of disagreement. One powerful scripture that reminds us of this is found in John 10:7-9, where Jesus says, "Therefore Jesus said again, 'Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.'"
This scripture reminds us that Jesus is the gate through which we must enter to be saved. It also emphasizes the importance of listening to his voice and following his teachings. When we approach political discussions and debates with this mindset, we can begin to heal the fear that often arises in such situations.
By focusing on Jesus as the gate, we can remember that our salvation and our true
identity is found in him, not in our political beliefs or affiliations. We can also remember that, as his followers, we are called to show love and respect to all people, even those who hold different beliefs than us.
In conclusion, when fear arises in political discussions and debates between Republicans and Democrats, we can turn to John 10:7-9 as a reminder to approach the situation with faith instead of fear. By focusing on Jesus as the gate and seeking common ground through respectful dialogue, we can begin to heal the divisions and misunderstandings that often arise in today's polarized political climate. It also helps as my fellow Braver Angels knows use those LAPP skills : Listen-Acknowledge- Pivot-Perspectives
God Bless You and This Ministry
