“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 NASB

It is often stated that the opposite of love is hate. As children when we learn opposites: good/bad, up/down, in/out, true/false. We learn in those tender years: love/hate. So deep in our psyche is this notion we do not question it. However, the word of God, which is the most magnificent blue print for living that was ever written in history, says this:

“There is no fear in love. Perfect love puts fear out of our hearts.” 1 John 4:18.

Love is the overcoming attribute of a heart filled with Jesus. If our hearts are filled with the love of God, there is no room for fear. No room for distrust. No room for pride. Perfect love pushes all hate out the door. Out, out, out.

Hatred, on the other hand is a direct byproduct of fear. We hate what we do not understand. We hate what makes us feel uncertain. We fear our peace being taken from us, therefore we hate those whom we blame for trying to take our peace.

Again, Jesus is the anecdote for our fearful trembling hearts. “Peace, I give you…” He says. “MY peace I leave with you.” God, whose power is absolute, has a peace that is so great, it passes our understanding to guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. His peace is our gift. But the choice is ours to make. Will we embrace fear, and the anger, resentment, bitterness and anxiety that it brings? Or.Will we embrace the life giving, all sustaining PEACE that comes straight from heaven to us?

There is a yoke of slavery that the world is offering. It is offered through fear. Fear of the future. Fear of failure. Fear of others. Fear of being alone. Fear for our children and our families. Fear of not being good enough or strong enough. Beloved, fear is not from God, because fear brings torment, and that torment brings the yoke.

The good news is: we have the answer to all of our fears. It is in the call of the One who ever lives to intercede for us, and who tell us: “Do NOT fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

This is it. The love, the peace, the presence of Jesus IS the good news that the world needs. That the world seeks.

So then, Christ in us, Who is the hope of all glory, is the answer, the anecdote, the prescription for this sin-sick world. As we go about bearing this love, this peace, we bring light and healing wherever we go.

Yes, dear one. The scripture cries out to us: “Choose this day whom you will serve!” Will we be slaves to fear? Or completely redeemed, free from fear; able to be full beacons of His glorious light in this dark season?

It is a big choice. Choose well. Be set free.

~ Debbie Ecker