There are two types of fear. One is healthy. We don’t call it “fear” anymore. But, picture a fireplace with a huge fire in it. If there is a big fire in it, you wouldn’t stick your hand in it, right? You aren’t so afraid of it you think about what it might doall the time. But, you have what used to be called a “fear” of it, in that you don’t dare stick your hand in it. You know what it will do. That is the kind that the Bible talks about when it says the “fear of the Lord.” Because, the Bible says He has not given us a spirit of fear.
Section 2(A)(4)(c) talked a little about the bad kind, in that it’s a trap the devil lays. It’s the kind you should never cause in others. And, sadly, it may be the kind you feel, which is why I mentioned it earlier.
The Bible says that perfect love casts this kind out. What that means is, no matter how tough you have to get on any younger siblings, no matter how strict you have to sound – and, if you’re in a neighborhood that resembles a war zone, you might have to sound very tough – your followers should still sense you love them unconditionally. That is that perfect love, the kind only God can give.
You can – and must – come close, though. You can only do that through His guidance. It might be harder for some than for others. Girls, especially, who read this might lack some of the finer points that girls in more peaceful situations need to be like mothers, But, never let anyone say you can’t do it. With God, all things are possible. Just keep growing in humility, grace, peace, love, and compassion for those God has given you charge over, and remember – you’re demonstrating Christ’s love to them.
