Dear Sibs, as usual in this section I will get straight to the point. It seems that whenever one person confronts another person over an issue, the statement "Do not judge!" comes up. Christians are often accused of "judging" whenever they speak out against a sinful activity.   However, that is not the meaning of the Scripture verses which state, "Do not judge." When Jesus told us not to judge (Matthew 7:1), He was telling us not to judge hypocritically. Matthew 7:2-5 declares, "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." For how can you take out the speck in your brother's eye when you have a plank in your eye? In Matthew 7:2-5, Jesus warns against judging someone else for their sin when you yourself are sinning even worse. That is the kind of judging Jesus commanded us not to do. If a believer sees another believer sinning, it is their Christian duty to lovingly and respectfully confront the person with their sin (Matthew 18:15-17). This is not judging, but rather pointing out the truth in hope of bringing repentance in the other person (James 5:20). We are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We are to proclaim what God's Word says about sin. 2 Timothy 4:2 instructs us, "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction." We are to "judge" sin, but always with the goal of presenting the solution for sin and its consequences - the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6).    Until next month Chantal       Whom (or what) do you fear?     I looked up the definition of fear the other day and the first line read as follows - "A painful emotion or passion excited by the expectation of evil". This stunned me as it blatantly referred to the expectation of evil. Research has shown me that the Bible refers to two types of fear. Fear of the Lord, which is beneficial and should be encouraged and a second type that is detrimental and should not only be discouraged but overcome. Fear of the Lord does not mean to be afraid of but rather it is a reverential awe of God, his power and his glory. It is also respect for his wrath and power.   It brings with it many blessings and benefits. In Psalm 111:10 it says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” And in Proverbs 1:7 it says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Thus we see how both wisdom and knowledge begin with fear of the Lord.   Furthermore, in Proverbs 19:23 it says, “The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content untouched by trouble.” And again in Proverbs 14:27, “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” And in Proverbs 14:26 it states, “In He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.” In these verses we see that fear of the Lord provides life, security for your children, protection from evil, confidence, and satisfaction. Thus one can see how fear of the Lord should be encouraged.   However, the second type of fear mentioned in the Bible is not beneficial and should be not only discouraged but overcome. This is the “spirit of fear” mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7 where it says, “For God did not give us the spirit of fear; but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.” Thus we see right from the beginning that this “spirit of fear” does not come from God. However, sometimes we are afraid, sometimes this “spirit of fear” overcomes us, and to overcome this fear we need to trust in and love God completely. It says in 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” However, no one is perfect, and God knows this. So He has liberally sprinkled encouragement against fear throughout the Bible. Beginning in the Book of Genesis and continuing throughout the Book of Revelations God tells us to “Fear not.” For example it says in Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” And again in Daniel 10:12, “Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come for in response to them.” And in the New Testament Jesus says, Mat 10:31, “So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Just these few verses cover many different types of fear. God tells us not to be afraid of being alone, not to be afraid of being too weak, not to be afraid of not being heard, and not to be afraid for our physical necessities. And these “fear not” admonishments continue throughout the Bible covering the many different aspects of the “spirit of fear.” However, these “fear nots” are dependent upon our ability to put our trust and faith in the Lord. In Psalm 56:11 the psalmist writes, “In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me.” This is an awesome testimony to the power of trusting in God. What the psalmist is saying is that regardless of what happens, he will trust in God. This is the key to overcoming fear - total and complete trust in God. It is a refusal to give into fear. It is a turning to God even in the darkest times and trusting in God to make things right. This trust comes from knowing God and knowing that He is a good God who only wants to give His children good things. It is as Job said when he was experiencing some of the most difficult trials recorded in the Bible, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him (Job 13:15).” Once you have learned to put your trust in God you will no longer be afraid of the things that come against you. You will be like the psalmist and, “…let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." (Psalm 5:11).   On that note, take the time to identify whom (or what) you fear. Peace and love unto you all,   Chantal