April 22, 2024

Dear Friend,

God didn’t give us a spirit of fear. In fact, Jesus oftentimes said, “Fear not.” Yet it’s true that we are tempted to be afraid sometimes. God created us. He knew we would be tempted to yield to fear.

Be strong, because God has given us his Spirit.
And his Spirit does not cause us to be afraid.
Instead, his Spirit causes us to be powerful to serve God.
He helps us to love God and other people.
And he helps us to control ourselves properly.
2 Timothy 1:7 (EASY)

You know, God’s love will always conquer fear. If we are God’s child then He has given us His Spirit. Holy Spirit causes us to be powerful in our love for God and our love for people! God is our source of love, power, and self-control.

Sometimes people say things to start an argument, or they say things to cause fear. When this happens, God tells us in His Word to be careful how we talk about other people. Our words, child of God, are to edify people and not judge them or tear them down.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth,
but what is good for necessary edification,
that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)

We must be careful what we say. You can judge a person’s doctrine, but you can’t judge the person. The Lord wants our mouths to bless, to impart grace to those listening, and encourage the people around us.

Glory to God!

Pastor Jo