Levo
Bible verses for fear of people
Needing their approval
The lie
I am what they think of me.
The truth
God's verdict over you is already in. In Christ you are accepted. No one else's opinion can add to that or take it away.
More truth
- Pride and insecurity grow from the same root: making it about me.
- You don't need to be impressive. You need to be faithful.
- The more you need their applause, the less free you are to love them.
Pause
Stop and notice who you're performing for right now. Breathe. There is only one audience that matters, and He is already for you.
My verses
Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.
Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass?
Nevertheless, many of the leaders believed in Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue. For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One.
The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.
Pray
Father, I'm trying to impress people again. You already know everything about me and You still call me Your child. That's enough. Help me do the right thing today whether anyone notices or not, and say what's true even if it costs me. Amen.
Your way out
- Name the person whose approval you're chasing. Pray for them by name.
- Do the next task as if only God will see it.
- Don't post, send or defend yourself for the next hour.
- Do one hidden act of kindness today.
- Ask: what would I do if no one ever found out?
Watch for the signs
Rehearsing conversations in your head, checking reactions, needing the last word. When you notice them, come back here.
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Go deeper: One audience
Five days in the Bible on this, one passage a day.
- Saul feared the people 1 Samuel 15:22-24
- Loving human praise John 12:37-43
- Seen in secret Matthew 6:1-6
- Already accepted Ephesians 1:3-8
- The Lord judges me 1 Corinthians 4:1-5