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See clearly, love fearlessly

“Perfect love drives out fear”
1 John 4:18

“Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem to be more afraid of life than death” James F. Bymes

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a
friend”
Martin Luther King

How is your eyesight? In 2008 I believe the Church here is in serious need of bi-focals. Why? So we can see the world clearly–but also see God at work. Think of the profound and wonderful story in 2 Kings 6. Elijah’s servant steps outside the door first thing one morning, and he sees, for the first time, that they are surrounded.

So here’s the first stage of the eyesight test for the Church: how clearly do we see what is happening in our world? Blind complacency cannot be an option, no matter how attractive and comfortable it may seem. The servant’s reaction to reality is instant and predictable: “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” (v15) Fear produces paralysis; God calls us to action. That’s why we need the bifocals–there is more to see: “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (v16)

He prays. The servant’s eyes are opened. “He looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire.” (v17). God’s resources, ready and available to us, so we can be certain of victory.

On 31 August, the eve of Ramadan, we encouraged people in the Oxford area to join us for a special event under the heading A Call to Prayer.

In response to the vision of reality in our world we want to come together to love and bless Muslim people in prayer. This is the tightrope we have to walk. We have to understand the reality of Islam. But rather than become paralysed by fear, we must embrace God’s resources for spiritual warfare so we can
sincerely love all Muslims. They are on God’s heart; they have to be on ours. The Apostle John wrote “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” (1 John 4:18)

Prayer is an expression of love. That’s why we have encouraged people to pray for Muslims throughout Ramadan. Prayer can–and must–then become the basis for further loving action, both individually, and corporately as the Church. The call to prayer is the call to see with the eyes of faith: to see clearly, and love fearlessly.

Eddie Lyle, Open Doors CEO