Wherever your sports field lies; whether underwater, in the air or on a grassy area; there is an extra opponent that can sneak on the field and hold you back from reaching your potential. It does not respect your skill level, past achievements or life experience. It can slowly creep into your mind or rush over you like a tidal wave. This elusive opponent can be labeled as fear.

But where does this fear come from? The source of fear is your insecurities. Sometimes fear can save your life, which of course is healthy. But in most situations the grip of fear is unnecessary and the insecurity producing it is rooted in sin.

This is why John explains that where there is love, there is no fear. He is not referring to the healthy fears, such as respect or reverence for God and His authority. Instead, John is addressing the unhealthy fear of being afraid of God since God is love. Such fear produces guilt and distorts the true character of God. The love of God unites. It perfectly unites you to God and you with others.

Understanding and responding to God in love enables you to recognize God's love for you and your true identity in Him. It is only then that competition becomes an opportunity to show your love for God, for your teammates and for your opponents. Your identity is not in the victory or loss but securely in the Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. It is by pursuing your love for God that you will have the strength to overcome any insecurity and eliminate fear from your mind and from the field of play.