how satan uses fear against us
"I say to you who are My friends: Do not be afraid." —Luke 12:4
God's grace continues to be lavishly poured out on us to free us to love Him with all our hearts. In that love, we have the power to transform the world. However, Satan tries to block our reception of God's grace and love. He does this by tempting us to sin, and he manipulates us into sinning in many ways, especially through fear. Therefore, Jesus commands 365 times in the Bible: "Do not be afraid" (see Lk 12:4).
We can refuse to be manipulated through fear by:
- fearing God instead of anything else (see Lk 12:5; Sir 34:14),
- realizing our worth (Lk 12:7). To give in to fear is below our dignity as God's sons and daughters,
- faith (see Mk 5:36), and
- complete love (1 Jn 4:18) for everyone, even our enemies.
God's grace is always sufficient for everything (2 Cor 12:9) but we must accept it. Sin is the rejection of God's grace, and fear is one of Satan's most effective ways of setting us up to sin. Thus, accept God's grace never to give in to fear, for if you fear, you will probably give in to sin and reject further graces.
Prayer: Father, stir into flame the Spirit of faith in my life (see 2 Tm 1:6-7).
Promise: "Blest are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered over. Blest is the man to whom the Lord imputes no guilt." —Rm 4:7-8
Praise: St. Ignatius' love for God was so great, he had the courage to face death in the Roman Colosseum. He was ardently devoted to the divinity and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Reference: (The Discipleship Retreat, Proclaiming the Gospel of Life, is scheduled for November 7-8, 2003. For information or to register, e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com or call 937-587-5464.)
Rescript:
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, April 24, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 28, 2003