by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

As a young boy growing up in a small white two-story frame home, I was terrified of the attic. An eerie stillness enveloped me as I ventured into this windowless, hot, creepy room. The scent of mothballs perfumed the air. Invisible threads of spider webs attempted to capture me if I got too near. Mysterious shapes, covered by sheets and blankets, crouched in corners, casting suspicious shadows on the plank floor.

I just knew that attic contained more than discarded junk. Something was living up there, something that would mercilessly defend its territory against pint-sized trespassers. I never saw this creature, but I knew it was there.

Everyone has an attic in their minds. It may be a room in which past mistreatment is stored. Memories of when you failed others and when others failed you may haunt and accuse you. Your self-image is shaped in your past, by whether you were praised and encouraged or criticized relentlessly when you grew up.

Although I feared going into the attic alone, with a companion I became downright courageous. That dark, scary spot in my home became little more than just another room.

You and your mate can be that kind of companion for each other. One or both of you may be extremely fearful of visiting the attics of your past. But self-confidence and reassurance will grow if you enter them together.

Have you considered that your relationship with your spouse can give him or her the courage needed to face very real fears in his or her life? Take a moment and think of ways that you can be a supportive friend who helps your mate enter attics and face down negative role models that may be lurking there.

Prayer:

That you and your mate can exhibit the love of Christ to one another and help each other conquer fear as you build a home without frightening attics.

Discuss: Are the "attics" of your past fearful or inviting? If the past creates emotional turmoil in your life, then what can your mate do to help you "cast out all fear"?

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