The biblical command that we break most often

When reflecting on the teachings of the Bible and the commandments that guide Christian life, many believers might immediately think of the more obvious prohibitions: “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” or “You shall not commit adultery.” These commandments are clear, direct, and universally recognized as fundamental to moral behavior. However, there is a biblical command that, despite its significance and frequency in scripture, is often overlooked and broken by Christians and non-Christians alike. That command is: “Do not fear.”

The Prevalence of the Command “Do Not Fear”

A careful reading of the Bible reveals that the command “Do not fear” (or its variations such as “Fear not,” “Do not be afraid,” or “Take courage”) appears more than 300 times throughout the Old and New Testaments. It is, in fact, one of the most repeated instructions in all of scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, God, angels, and even Jesus Himself frequently reassure, command, and exhort people not to be afraid. This repetition suggests that fear is not only a common human experience but also a spiritual stumbling block that God wants us to overcome.

Why Is “Do Not Fear” So Important?

The command to avoid fear is not a trivial suggestion. Fear, in a biblical context, is more than just a fleeting emotion. It is a state of mind and heart that can paralyze faith, disrupt obedience, and sever trust in God’s promises. When God tells Abraham, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” (Genesis 15:1), or when Jesus tells His disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27), the emphasis is on trust and confidence in God’s character, power, and plan.

Fear often leads to actions or inactions that contradict God’s will. It can prevent us from loving others boldly, taking steps of faith, standing up for justice, or even embracing our own identities as God’s children. In this sense, breaking the command “Do not fear” can have wide-reaching spiritual and practical consequences.

How Do We Break This Command?

Unlike other commandments that involve clear, external actions, breaking the command “Do not fear” happens internally. It manifests in worry, anxiety, insecurity, or reluctance to follow God’s direction. For example, when Moses faced the burning bush, his initial response was fear and reluctance to accept God’s call (Exodus 3–4). Similarly, Peter’s fear caused him to deny Jesus three times, despite his earlier boldness (Luke 22:54–62).

In contemporary life, we break this command every time we allow anxiety to dictate our choices, when we let fear of failure stop us from pursuing God-given dreams, or when we remain silent about our faith out of fear of rejection. Even subtle forms of fear—such as chronic worry about the future, social anxiety, or the fear of missing out—can reflect a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness.

The Consequences of Fearfulness

Fear is not merely a private struggle; it has communal and societal effects. Fear can breed suspicion, division, and inaction. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30), the servant who buried his talent explains his actions by saying, “I was afraid.” His fear led to wasted potential and missed opportunity. On a larger scale, fear can prevent communities from reaching out, loving their neighbors, or standing up to injustice.

Moreover, chronic fear can take a toll on mental, emotional, and even physical health. The Bible’s repeated call to “fear not” is not just a spiritual ideal—it is a path to wholeness and peace. As 1 John 4:18 reminds us, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”

Learning to Obey the Command “Do Not Fear”

Obeying the command not to fear is not about denying reality or pretending that dangers do not exist. It is about choosing to trust God more than we trust our fears. The Bible does not call us to a naïve optimism, but to a courageous faith that faces challenges with the assurance of God’s presence.

Practical steps to obey this command include meditating on God’s promises, praying for courage, seeking fellowship with other believers, and recalling God’s faithfulness in the past. Philippians 4:6–7 offers a practical antidote: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Conclusion: Living Fearlessly in Faith

Of all the biblical commands, “Do not fear” may be the one we break most often, precisely because it touches every aspect of our lives. Yet, it is also a command that comes with a promise: God’s presence, His peace, and His power to sustain us. As we strive to obey this command, we not only honor God but also find the freedom and courage to live out our faith fully.