In the film The Hunger Games: Mockingjay–Part 1, Katniss Everdeen, the face of the revolution against the evil Capitol, is attacked and strangled unconscious by her beloved friend, Peeta. When she comes to, Katniss’ friends inform her that the Capitol had brainwashed Peeta. Before letting him be rescued, they used fear conditioning to turn him into a weapon designed to kill her.
When asked if the brainwashing could be reversed, one of her comrades explained, “Fear is the most difficult thing to overcome. We are hardwired to remember fear best.”
Fear is a powerful emotion that’s deeply engrained in us, but it hasn’t always been that way. In the beginning, there was nothing for us to be afraid of. But fear found its way into human experience by rebellion—and it’s had quite a hold on us ever since.
After the first couple made the fateful choice to turn against their Creator and tried to run the world their way (Genesis 3:1-8), people began to live in fear of each other and of God. Suspicion quickly replaced trust. We were no longer open and vulnerable. Instead, fear drove us into hiding and to blaming (Genesis 3:9-13).
In the sequel, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay–Part 2, Katniss’ unwavering love for Peeta helps him overcome his fears—turning an enemy back into a friend. It’s a beautiful example of the very thing Jesus came to do. He taught and showed us that the power of love is what can overcome the power of hatred and fear. As the apostle John wrote, “Perfect love expels all fear” (1 John 4:18).
Embracing the great love God showed us “while we were still his enemies” is what can rewire our hearts to remember and live out love, rather than fear (Romans 5:10).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 15:1-21
More:
The more we remember God’s great love, the more we are able to offer it to those who live in fear.
Next:
How can you speak love into the fears of a friend or foe this week? Why is perfect love stronger than fear?
Gary Shultz on October 30, 2016 at 7:26 am
I don’t know if this is bad or not; however, by about the first six words I knew Jeff was doing the post. Hey, your a movie buff and the one film of that series I saw is sort of like hunting, a little, maybe. Any way, the point is well placed and fear grips even the most dedicated of saints at times. This election could scare the socks off of just about anyone. But then there is the love that God has shown through the ages, and by the great grace offering of Jesus Christ. We have no movie, but God’s word has given us hope and a continuing link to God’s love and presence. Of course this experience must be applied for our initial transformation, but it is of enduring need that we must stand in God’s presence to understand His continuing love. The strong love that takes away fear, fear that is seen and felt in different degrees. A strong love that should give us the “want ” to share that love to a fear-chased world. Thanks Jeff
sandy229 on October 30, 2016 at 12:48 pm
Amen Gary, we must stand in God’s presence to understand His continuing love. And just so you know, I think it’s a good thing you knew it was Jeff….
Shalom
mb19339 on October 30, 2016 at 2:06 pm
Hi Gary,
Great insight that Jeff’s post is a really timely reminder in a time when our culture seems so driven by fear–that we should strive to be rooted in receiving and sharing God’s love with those who are afraid.
Jeff Olson on October 31, 2016 at 7:45 am
Thanks, Gary. You’re not the first to tell me that 🙂
youssef1777 on October 30, 2016 at 10:11 am
THE LORD IS MY SHEPARD I SHILL WANT . IF WE FACE IN THIS WORDS . WE SHOULD NOT FEAR. IN TIME OF TROUBLE I TRUST IN YOU MY LORD AND SAVIOR . AMEN .
sandy229 on October 30, 2016 at 12:45 pm
John speaks strongly about living godly lives. He clearly teaches that our knowledge and love of God will be evident by our obedience to His Word and love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are not to simply talk about love, but to love practically by giving to and caring for those in need. Simply put, if we know and love Jesus, then we are to live and love as He did.
The greatest expression of faith is to believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior and receive the precious gift of eternal life. In our life of faith, we are to welcome and respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit so that our hearts are clean and free from condemnation. We are to test the spirits against the truth about Jesus Christ as found in the Bible. Anything that denies the lordship and incarnation of Jesus is not from God and should be rejected. The life of faith can be free from fear, knowing that perfect love casts out fear. Live with your hope and faith firmly established in the Person and work of Jesus Christ.
hsnpoor on October 30, 2016 at 2:41 pm
Jeff, this is without a doubt one of the most beautiful, instructive and impactful devotions I’ve read in a long time. And I’ve never seen the movie referenced, but the analogy was on point. Don’t want to in anyway diminish your effort in putting this together so beautifully, BUT, your subject matter (love) almost writes its own story. Forgive me if I go a bit secular here, but it all reminds me of the Burt Bacarach song, sung by Dionne Warwick as well as others, that says “what the world needs NOW (more than ever before) is love, sweet love; it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of; not just for some, but for everyone”. Fear is a horrible thing. I wonder how many of the earths population are ignorant of the fact that the cure for fear is love, not violence? How is it that we continually and consistently miss that lesson? How long, Lord, how long?
Jeff Olson on October 31, 2016 at 7:49 am
Thanks, hsnpoor…yes, love writes it own story…so well put!!!.
sim jing ying on October 30, 2016 at 4:09 pm
I can tell them that Jesus loves you and only wants you to enjoy all His blessings. Love is God so love is greater than fear as everything is accomplishable in God alone.