Spiritual Warfare » Battlefield » Fear, Condemnation, and Severance

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In the human experience, the presence of fear, condemnation, and severance from others and from God has left profound scars on our collective journey. From the earliest pages of Scripture to its final chapters, we witness the destructive consequences that these forces have on humanity. We will delve into the themes of isolation, judgment, and the resulting fragmentation of relationships, while also discovering the transformative power of love and reconciliation.

• Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself." (Genesis 3:9-10 NKJV)
• They all hold swords, being expert in war. Every man has his sword on his thigh because of fear in the night. (Song of Solomon 3:8 NKJV)
• All our enemies have opened their mouths against us. Fear and a snare have come upon us, desolation and destruction. My eyes overflow with rivers of water for the destruction of the daughter of my people. (Lamentations 3:46-48 NKJV)
• The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. (Proverbs 29:25 NKJV)
• I am a reproach among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbors, and am repulsive to my acquaintances; those who see me outside flee from me. I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel. For I hear the slander of many; fear is on every side; while they take counsel together against me, they scheme to take away my life. But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. (Psalm 31:11-15 NKJV)
• "Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool; but My righteousness will be forever, and My salvation from generation to generation." (Isaiah 51:7-8 NKJV)
• But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone ... that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:9-15 NKJV)
• “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:28-31 NKJV
• “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10 NKJV)
• Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 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. We love Him because He first loved us. If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. (1 John 4:17-21 NKJV)
• He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD. (Proverbs 17:15 NKJV)
• They gather together against the life of the righteous, and condemn innocent blood. (Psalm 94:21 NKJV)
• ...those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, and will receive the wages of unrighteousness... (2 Peter 2:10-13 NKJV)
• Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? (Romans 2:1-4 NKJV)
• “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:17-19 NKJV)
• A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends. (Proverbs 16:28 NKJV)
• He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends. (Proverbs 17:9 NKJV)
• Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. (Isaiah 59:1-2 NKJV)
• “...the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:47-50 NKJV

• Fear - A Paralyzing Force: The Bible reveals fear as a paralyzing force that grips the hearts of individuals and communities. From Adam, who hid in shame and fear after disobeying God's commandment (Genesis 3:9-10), to the people of God facing enemies in the dark night (Song of Solomon 3:8), fear has the power to undermine our confidence and hinder our progress. It can lead to desolation, destruction, and overwhelming sorrow (Lamentations 3:46-48). However, Scripture also encourages us not to fear the reproach of men, but to trust in the everlasting righteousness and salvation of God (Isaiah 51:7-8).
• Condemnation - A Tool of Division: Condemnation, both from others and from ourselves, creates a toxic environment that breeds separation and hostility. The righteous are unjustly condemned while the wicked go unpunished (Proverbs 17:15; Psalm 94:21). Those who judge and condemn others often fail to recognize their own faults (Romans 2:1-4). This harsh judgment leads to a breakdown in relationships, separating friends and causing strife (Proverbs 16:28; 17:9). The condemnation of the world may seem overwhelming, but God, in His infinite love, sent His Son not to condemn but to save (John 3:17-19).
• Severance - The Fragmentation of Relationships: The consequences of fear and condemnation are often seen in the severance of relationships. In Psalm 31, the psalmist laments being repulsive to acquaintances, forgotten, and forsaken by friends (Psalm 31:11-15). The whisperer separates the closest of friends (Proverbs 16:28). Ultimately, sin and iniquities create a separation between humanity and God (Isaiah 59:1-2). This brokenness leaves us longing for reconciliation, yearning for restored connections that bring healing and unity.
• The Call to Love and Reconciliation: Amidst the devastation caused by fear, condemnation, and severance, the Bible presents a powerful message of love and reconciliation. God's love is perfect and casts out fear (1 John 4:17-21). Through Jesus Christ, we are offered the opportunity to be reconciled with God, experiencing forgiveness and restoration (2 Peter 2:9-15). Jesus teaches us not to fear those who can harm the body but to fear God, who holds our eternal destiny (Matthew 10:28-31). He also calls us to love one another, transcending barriers and extending grace to those around us (1 John 4:17-21).

The impact of fear, condemnation, and severance upon humanity is undeniably profound. However, the biblical narrative reminds us of the transformative power of love and reconciliation. By embracing God's love, seeking reconciliation with Him and with others, we can break free from the chains of fear, condemnation, and severed relationships. As we extend grace, empathy, and compassion, we become agents of healing and reconciliation in a broken world. Let us heed the call to love and be bearers of light, fostering unity and restoring relationships as we journey towards a more compassionate and connected existence.

In conclusion, the transformative power of love extends to every aspect of our lives—love of self, others, and God. It is through love that we break free from the chains of fear, condemnation, and severed relationships. As we embrace self-love, we are empowered to extend love to others, fostering healing, reconciliation, and unity. Ultimately, love draws us closer to God, anchoring our lives in His unconditional love and guiding us in our relationships with self and others. May we continually seek to cultivate love in our hearts, as it has the power to transform not only our lives but also the world around us.

Next: Kingdom of God