Double "F" two sins that are often ignored

Fear & Favouritism

1. Fear without faith

"Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

"Fear is a human emotion that is triggered by a perceived threat," as defined by the University of Minnesota's article on the impact of fear and anxiety. Be it in your daily life at work, home, school, or in a jungle. Today, many people operate their entire lives in "underlying fear." When operating in underlying fear, you will see everything around you as a threat, instead of seeing God in everything.

The main cause of fear:

Fearful behaviour stems from doubt in God meaning, doubt causes fear. Basically Fear is a lack of trust or confidence in God. Hebrews 3:12 "Take care, brothers and sisters, that there not be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart [which refuses to trust and rely on the Lord] , a heart that turns away from the living God".

Fear in leadership

Leading people based on fear and living your entire life in underlying fear will cause chaos in everything around you. Where there is fear, there is no unity with those around you—whether at school, work, or home. This lack of unity leads to disagreements and can sometimes hinder your prayers; Matthew 18:19-20. The Word of God says; fear involves torment, when you project fear onto others, you are causing them to become sick mentally, emotionally, and physically (you are tormenting them), as proven by medical professionals, hence, as children of God; we pray for the sick, and do not make people sick. Underlying fear and all sorts of fear destroys you and others around you. Your fearful behavior can lead you to instill fear in others, causing unsaved people to question Christianity.

Fear Stunts Growth

Fear stunts your growth and hinders the growth of those around you. Fear holds you back from reaching your full potential and can also limit the progress of those around you. When you live in fear, you are unable to step into the plans and purposes God has for you.

Embracing faith instead of fear allows you to experience God's will and move forward in His purpose for your life. Robbing someone of their growth is also a form of oppression (Ezekiel 22:29), which is a sin because "growth" is part of God's design, therefore everything around us grows. Fear causes one to rob themselves and others of wisdom. All wisdom, knowledge, and understanding come from God—not just "biblical wisdom" but all forms of wisdom, because everything on earth was created by Him. God also gave Solomon all types of wisdom. 1 Kings 4:33, "Solomon could speak with authority about all kinds of plants, from the great cedar of Lebanon to the tiny hyssop that grows from cracks in a wall. He could also speak about animals, birds, small creatures, and fish".

Fear without faith projects evil

Fear takes out the worst in you and in others around you, according to 1 John, if you are operating in fear you are NOT MADE PERFECT in love. 1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love". By operating out of underlying fear, you rob yourself and others of faith and hope in Christ. When you operate in God's love, you project faith, hope, and love onto others, drawing both yourself and others closer to God, and you fulfill the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself.

Overcoming fear:

It is normal to fear, but let your faith in Christ override it, know that Jesus is with you, Matthew 14:27“But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid. ' ”. Don't be afraid.” Invite the Holy Spirit into your life to guide you, seek truth in Scripture, pray, and engage in praise and worship. Fellowship with others by sharing testimonies, and meditate on the Word of God. Whenever a fearful thought arises, counteract it with the Word of God. Speak God's Word aloud—words are powerful, and they override thoughts.

2. Favouritism

James 2:9 “But if you show favouritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers”

Favouritism reveals hatred for one and love for another. Favoritism manifests itself in a variety of ways; based on language, cultural backgrounds, or country of origin, the word of God says we owe nothing to anyone except Love.

Favoritism can be revealed in subtle or direct ways. Some may favor themselves by awarding themselves benefits because they feel "entitled" due to holding a higher rank. However, we are all servants in Christ, and favoritism of any kind is a sin.

Some people are favored more because of their physical appearance or even due to their disabilities. With racism being a particularly harmful sin that stems from favoritism. Racist individuals may believe they are more intelligent, but in reality, they lack wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, demonstrating poor intellect - as proven by scientific studies.

Showing favoritism is also expressing care, concern for someone only because of their physical appearance or characteristics, such as weight, height, age, intellect, credentials etc. This is how justice can be perverted. Injustice stems from the sin called "favoritism." - the Word of God says in Leviticus 19:15 Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favouritism to the great, but judge your neighbour fairly.

As Christians, we must always be consciously aware of our character and feelings to ensure we are aligned with Christ. This helps ensure that every move we make, every word we speak, and every decision we make is not based on fear or favoritism. Today, I urge you to search your heart and reflect on all your choices in life, especially the way you think, speak, and behave. Ask yourself what drives your mindset, choices, and behavior— is it fear and favoritism, or is it faith, mercy, hope, love, forgiveness, and all the fruits of the Spirit? When you choose to operate in the fruit of the Spirit, you are choosing a life in Christ and the gift of righteousness. We must make every effort to make pure, fair, and just choices in all that we do. God will judge us all righteously—meaning “rightly,” fairly, and justly. Let’s begin to practice operating in the fruit of the Spirit and start living a righteous life in Christ."Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law"

God bless you.

From Natlie Loots