Root Of All Evil Is Fear

A man’s life is the story of his fears, said A. S. Neil. Fear threatens, cripples and even paralyses. We may ardently desire to love, long to forgive or to reach out to others in friendship. But fear of ridicule or of rejection holds us back and away from others. We may aspire and plan to achieve great things, but fear of failure, of criticism and of disapproval often prevails and we hesitate to take the first step. Overcome with fear, we do not dare to take even a reasonable amount of risk.

We do not want to be frightened. We hate from our guts all types of fears. We constantly struggle to overcome our fear or fears. Jesus, the great model of courage and tremendous strength knew mortal fear. He cried out in fearful agony in the garden of Gethsemane, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me, yet not my will, but yours be done.” He certainly understood the fears of his frightened disciples. He assured them, “Do not be afraid! I have overcome the world.”