In this column about a week ago, I tackled on “Stoicism and coming to terms with fear.” In said piece, I expressed my affirmative leaning for Stoicism’s philosophy of fear, demonstrating that as fear is rooted on ignorance, the Stoics’ prescription with coming to terms with fear is quite appealing: to face it, know it, and prepare for it.
In said piece, moreover, I proffered, from my own perspective, some tangible steps in coming to terms with fear in the face of any adversity: 1) Define your fears; 2) Negative visualization; 3) Regulate fear, and 4) Reflect and pray.
Now, for this piece, I’d like to segue, though still on fear, into exploring the connection and distinction between love and fear.
Let me state at once my thesis: The opposite of love is not hatred, but fear. And the opposite of fear is not courage, but love.
Why so is fear, not hatred, the opposite of love?
The answer is simple: Because fear is the breeding ground, or the “simmering cauldron” as it were, of all bitterness, resentments, anger and other destructive behaviors that constitute or give rise to hatred.
This reason of distinction applies whether our hatred targets others or is oriented inward in a form of self-loathing. Verily, the opposite of love is not hate. The opposite of love is fear.
This distinction of fear and love is best demonstrated by the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
On one hand, the narrative of Jesus’ crucifixion and death is dominated and driven by a wide range of human fear. Herod was afraid of his waning power. Pilate feared of losing control or of failing his post. The Jewish religious leaders feared being sidelined and losing their privilege. The soldiers inevitably feared losing face or their paycheck. The multitudes seemed to be afraid of the effort, the thought, the time, and the will that it takes to be responsibly different and stand for what is true and right. And lastly, the disciples, no doubt, were afraid of suffering and death.
On the other hand, however, the fact and truth of Jesus’ resurrection dispelled all fears that led to death and ushered in the awakening or coming to consciousness of the depth and power of love – which brings life, not death.
Yes, notwithstanding Jesus’ death and resurrection which happened already 2,000 years ago, the world is still a scary place. Bad things do happen, and bad things indeed happen to good people. There is plenty in this world to be afraid of and there are plenty of people in this world who are more than happy to exploit our fears to gain or maintain their power or position.
But, to re-state this piece’s title: the opposite of love is not hate, but fear.
In the face of fear and adversity, the challenge for us then is to take heart and stand tall in the name of LOVE.
And, as in the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, LOVE wins – at all times, in all ways, in all places, under every circumstance, without exception.
Amor omnia vincit (Love conquers all)!
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