Are We Fearful?

I started up Winamp this morning, and this song started up -

Don't Be Afraid (listen to mp3)

Fearful – we’re fearful of others.
Fearful of contact with people –
unless they’re just like us.
Fearful – we’re fearful of difference.
Fearful of conflict with strangers –
who ain’t the same as us.
(But) God’s embrace is great.
His amazing grace never fails to save.
God’s love conquers hate -
So don’t be afraid.

Fearful – we’re fearful of changes.
Fearful of fighting –
fearful of winning –
fearful of loss.
Fearful – we’re fearful of dangers.
Fearful of following a leader –
who died on a cross.
(But) God’s embrace is great.
His amazing grace never fails to save.
God’s love conquers hate -
So don’t be afraid.

Yup, it's another Dave Andrews song. It reminded me of a bible verse that resonates with me every time my scaredy-cat side makes an appearance...

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear
1 John 4:18a

Now I need to point out (because I've been hassling people for this recently) that I'm taking this verse somewhat out of context. In John's letter, the subject is fear of being punished by God. But I think that when we act in love towards people - strive to understand them, see them not as 'other' but as people who are really just like us where it counts - then we lose our fear of them.