Timor Omnis Abesto

1 John 4:17-18
This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…

Many of my writer friends choose a particular word to focus on for the year. Most pick a term that helps improve personal habits like generosity, self-control, or patience. For 2014, I want to zero in on the word fear. Much of my mom’s family (the Abbotts) comes from the MacNab clan of Scotland. Through my brother’s research, we found out that the MacNab motto is “Timor Omnis Abesto” (Let fear be far from all). They were a people of war and had to enter the battlefields without fear.

When I read about my ancestors and the time they spent defending their clan, I thought about the battles I face every day. Granted they aren’t wars filled with weapons or warriors. Instead they’re spiritual struggles between evil and good.  As I follow Jesus, temptations, fears, and frustrations arise. But because I follow Jesus, his love drives out all trepidation. He helps me to keep my anxiety under control. As I focus on the word fear for 2014, I want to “Let fear be far from all.” In all I do, say, and believe, I want fear to be gone. Thank goodness Jesus love casts out all fear.

Is there a word you want to focus on in 2014?