For me, one of the most beautiful Afrikaans words is “onbeskroomd.” Unflinching. Fearless. Like the command that God gave Joshua: “Be strong and courageous… Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 – 2020 translation). Nothing stops you. Nothing stands in your way.
Interestingly, the word “onbeskroomd” (in English: undaunted) doesn’t appear in the Afrikaans translations; however, the English Amplified Bible states in John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world, you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.”
Fearless. Moreover, filled with joy. As David writes in Psalm 16: “I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure” (v8-9). “Fix your eyes on Him… Then you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3).
With everything we have discussed so far, we can conclude: nothing stops us from living love in its fullest expression. Fearless love. How can I say this? Isn’t it impossible? No. Not if you remember that Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. “If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
If you want to see more of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in action in your life, get to know Jesus better! Read about Him over and over. More patience? Get to know Jesus. Unquenchable joy? Get to know Jesus. Fearless love? Get to know Jesus.
PRAYER: I too am glad and rejoice, Lord, because I know You. Let You be my guide in all things.
ART: Elizabeth McIntosh’s “Curious Trees” (2022)