Fear

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Therefore if someone or something is attempting to give you a spirit of fear, it is not of God, but the devil, and should be avoided and actively resisted by the people of God.

I'm not talking about sudden fear that is a natural response to stimulus perceived as danger. If a Semi tractor-trailer starts to drift into your lane, there's going be fear! And that's a good thing! But it's a momentary thing arising from the accident of our circumstances.

What I am talking about is the "steady state" of fear to which so many things around us actively and intentionally contribute. It's a means to control us. If we constantly fear this thing and those people, we're very suggestible, and if our fear leads us to hate or mistrust our fellow man, we are very controllable.

Measles, the wall, immigrants, the flu, the "caravan," the liberals, the progressives, Ebola in your vegetables, on and on and on.

"Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple."

Note them and avoid them. Turn off the TV. Reduce your "Friends" list and the things you "Follow" and your general exposure to the Internet. Don't take the bait that is everywhere. Be discerning, patient, and calm. "Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."  All the energy wasted fearing and hating and being suspicious would be so much more well-spent in prayer and charity.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God."