On Fear

The opposite of fear is peace. The evening collect prays, that ‘by thee we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness’ through peace. Unworldly peace, this is.

            It must be unworldly peace, because in the world, there’s no lasting peace without justice. Effects of injustice routinely devolve to the innocent: in household, nation, or among nations. It may be distant injustice, half a world away; it might be employed by states, democratic or tyrannical, insurgents, religions or cults; it often believes it’s doing good. The Herods of the age go on killing children, by many and various means. Perhaps the greatest fear of many isn’t for selves, but for the child, too young to create injustice, suffering as injustice fires injustice.

            Fear and hate are bedmates. As we are defended from fear, God grant we be made free of hatred. Hate is actually a sin. And what fear makes us do is often sinful also. ‘Wisdom is better than weapons of war’ says that wise Preacher, therefore ‘Fear God,’ who ‘will bring every deed into judgement, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.’ We have enemies: defend us from fear.