There is much confusion in the Christian world (and in the biblical counseling world) about God’s view of fear.
Ed Welch, of CCEF, has penned an excellent, biblical, nuanced, practical, compassionate article in The Journal of Biblical Counseling, called Fear Is Not Sin.
Please note, that for full access to the complete article, there is a cost of $1.99. The article is worth ten times that amount. You can also gain access to this article and all other Journal of Biblical Counseling resources at CCEF with an annual subscription to JBC.
A Biblical Understanding of Fear
In this article, Ed develops a comprehensive biblical/theological understanding of fear. In summary:
Many Christians are confused about how to think about fear. Is it a sin to be afraid? Welch’s title reveals his answer. Fear is not a sin. When God uses the words “Do not be afraid,” Welch argues that these are not words of rebuke, but words of comfort from our compassionate Father who draws near to us when we are afraid.
Select Quotes from Ed Welch and Fear Is Not Sin
- “Once I was invited to talk about fear and anxiety on a radio program. After a few minutes, the host declared that after he received the Spirit he was never anxious again. I responded that after I received the Spirit, I never had a day without some kind of anxiety.”
- “There are biblical reasons to approach fears and anxieties without first assuming they involve disobedience…. My purpose here is to reflect on the question, ‘Is fear sin?’ As the article’s title indicates (Fear Is Not Sin), I believe it is not and I will discuss various biblical texts to make my case.”
- “In Luke’s account, Jesus concludes with this: ‘Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.’ Jesus sees us as vulnerable sheep needing his care. His words are gentle and affectionate. Our fears arouse His compassion—not His rebuke. ‘He has pity on the weak and the needy…. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust’ (Ps. 72:13; 103;14).”
- “The Lord Expects Us to Be Afraid: Scripture assumes that we live with fear and anxiety. We are weak people who can control very little. The Psalms are filled with human fears and anxieties—and these are the words that the Lord asks us to speak to him. He actually wants to hear about our fears: Psalm 55:4-6; Psalm 13:1-2; Psalm 18:4-6; Psalm 22:14. None of these is a confession of sin:
My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me. And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. (Ps 55:4–6)
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? (Ps 13:1–2)
The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord. (Ps 18:4–6)
My heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast. (Ps 22:14)
- “Like the psalmists, the apostle Paul also acknowledges his fears. ‘For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fears within’ (2 Cor. 7:5).”
- “Fear and anxiety express our weakness amid the threats of daily life. We are merely human. We are not the creator. Weak people are also sinners, but weakness is not sin. Weakness means that we need help from God and other people.”
- “Jesus remains very aware of our vulnerabilities. Our fears are to be expected, and they are consistently met by the God who hears and cares. We are his little flock and he does not minimize our worries, as though they are excessive. He treats them as real hardships, not as sin. He is our high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses and frailties (Heb 4:15). And when we are afraid, those fears become an occasion for the Lord to repeat his greatest promise to us: ‘I am with you.’”
Again, for the full article, go here: Fear Is Not Sin.
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