Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- How has fear historically been used as a motivator?
- What are the limitations of using fear to influence behavior?
- What is the "better way" that President Uchtdorf suggests?
- How does God's perfect love help us overcome fear?
- What role does faith play in facing the challenges of our time?
Topics
Recognize the Historical Use of Fear
President Uchtdorf discusses how fear has been historically used as a tool to manipulate and control behavior, both in religious and secular contexts. He highlights the "Great Awakening" and its emphasis on fear-driven sermons as an example.
Historically, fear has often been used as a means to get people to take action.
These preachers had a dramatic, emotional preaching style, with sermons that were known for their heavy emphasis on the fiery terrors of hell that await the sinner.
- What are some examples of fear being used as a motivator in history?
- How did the "Great Awakening" use fear to influence people?
- How have you seen fear used as a motivator in your own life?
- In what ways can you recognize and avoid using fear to influence others?
Understand the Problem with Fear
Fear can compel people to take action, but its effects are often temporary and shallow. President Uchtdorf explains that fear fails to change hearts and can lead to negative emotions such as helplessness, resentment, and anger.
Fear rarely has the power to change our hearts, and it will never transform us into people who love what is right and who want to obey Heavenly Father.
People who are fearful may say and do the right things, but they do not feel the right things.
- Why is fear an ineffective long-term motivator?
- What are some negative emotions that can result from fear-based motivation?
- Reflect on a time when you were motivated by fear. How did it affect your feelings and actions?
- How can you shift from fear-based motivation to love-based motivation in your own life?
Embrace God's Better Way
President Uchtdorf emphasizes that God motivates His children through love, persuasion, and patience rather than fear. He highlights the example of Jesus Christ and encourages us to follow this divine pattern in our interactions.
The more I come to know my Heavenly Father, the more I see how He inspires and leads His children.
God motivates through persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, and love unfeigned.
- What methods does God use to motivate His children?
- How did Jesus Christ demonstrate these methods during His ministry?
- How can you apply the principles of persuasion, patience, and love in your daily interactions?
- What changes can you make to follow God's example of motivation in your family, work, and church callings?
Face the Evils of the World with Faith
Despite the presence of evil and challenges in the world, President Uchtdorf encourages us to focus on the blessings and opportunities of our time. He reminds us that God has given us the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.
I don’t believe God wants His children to be fearful or dwell on the evils of the world.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
- What is God's perspective on the evils and challenges of the world?
- How can focusing on blessings help us overcome fear?
- What are some blessings in your life that you can focus on to overcome fear?
- How can you cultivate a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind in your daily life?
Trust in the Lord's Promises
President Uchtdorf reassures us that as we walk the path of discipleship, we do not do so alone. He emphasizes that the Lord will fight our battles and that we can move forward with faith and confidence in God's promises.
We do not walk the path of discipleship alone. "The Lord thy God … doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.
- What does it mean that the Lord will fight our battles?
- How can we find peace and confidence in God's promises?
- Reflect on a time when you felt the Lord's support in a challenging situation. How did it strengthen your faith?
- How can you remind yourself of God's promises during times of fear and uncertainty?
Replace Fear with Christ's Perfect Love
President Uchtdorf concludes by urging us to replace fear with the pure love of Christ. He explains that Christ's perfect love casts out fear and enables us to live with faith, humility, and confidence.
If we ever find ourselves living in fear or anxiety, or if we ever find that our own words, attitudes, or actions are causing fear in others, I pray with all the strength of my soul that we may become liberated from this fear by the divinely appointed antidote to fear: the pure love of Christ.
There is no fear in [Christ’s] love.
- How does Christ's perfect love cast out fear?
- What are the characteristics of Christ's perfect love?
- How can you cultivate Christ's perfect love in your heart?
- In what ways can you show Christ's love to others to help them overcome fear?
