FACING OUR FEARS
by Rev. Volker Horstmeier
These are rough times, in which we live.
We are looking for comfort, we need encouragement, a hopeful view into the future. Where can I find it? What will help us up?
I take my (German) bible and read (and translate): “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but he has given us the spirit of power, of love and of considerateness (II Timothy 1, 7).” No Fear! But there are lots of fears, and with good reasons:
• Fires in the Western states, also in Australia and Siberia. They are a part of the climate disaster.
• The CoVid-19 pandemic. People fear to be infected and become sick. They fear the social and economic lockdown, fear for their jobs (People are afraid here in Germany, too, even if our government did a comparatively good job and did not lie to us).
• The divided society, deeply torn apart by injustice, racism and violence and by those, whose motto is: “Me first!” And this is a global issue.
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself (F.D. Roosevelt).” God has given us another, a better spirit. He already has given it; it is his gift to us, his donation. Joyfully and thankfully we can use this gift.
The spirit of Power: Our faith is not weak. Neither is it a muscleman. It is strong, strong for others. It gives the power to carry burdens of others and to carry on. It strengthens the weak and poor. It stands up against injustice, everywhere, anytime.
The spirit of Love: This love comes from the one, who even loved his enemies. This is the way to build bridges across the gaps between black and white, rich and poor, taxpayers and tax-avoiders. Love is able to change views and give a new sight. Love never gives up. This is how we can survive.
The spirit of considerateness: How can we act in these rough times? It needs this attitude of calmly considering, argue rationally, act responsibly. It gives a wide horizon for your decisions, not only up to the next elections. In the Greek word of the original text, it contains “wisdom;” it is wise to act like this. In the German word for it (Besonnenheit), the word for the sun is shining through it. Like the sun, it will give you the warmth of love and the power of life.
The Rev. Volker Horstmeier is a retired Protestant pastor, living in Arnsberg, Germany. He always has been active in the ‘Church with Children’ and been busy organizing conventions and meetings for the Protestant Church in Germany. Since his exchange year [in Alaska] as a student he is concerned about the social implications of the gospel.
