It’s very human to feel afraid of showing our faith openly. We live in a world where belief can be misunderstood or even mocked, and it’s natural to want to avoid rejection or conflict. But the heart of the Christian life is not fear—it is love. When we love Christ deeply, that love slowly begins to cast out our fear, just as St. John wrote: “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18).
We see this courage most beautifully in the lives of the Apostles. After the Resurrection, they too were afraid—hiding behind locked doors. But when the Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost, something changed. They were filled with joy and power, no longer ashamed of the Gospel. The same Spirit lives in you. You don’t need to become loud or confrontational; you only need to let His light shine naturally through your life, your kindness, and your words.
The Church reminds us that faith is not a private possession but a gift meant to be shared. Living it publicly doesn’t always mean preaching on a street corner; it might mean making the Sign of the Cross before a meal, standing up for truth when it’s uncomfortable, or speaking gently of God’s love when someone is hurting. These small acts of witness are powerful seeds. God uses them more than we realize.
When fear comes, bring it to prayer. Tell the Lord honestly: “I’m afraid to be known as yours.” He understands. Remember that He too faced rejection, yet He did not stop loving. Ask for the grace to see the world not through fear, but through compassion. The goal is not to impress others, but to let them see the peace and hope that come from Christ living in you.
Courage in faith is born not from strength, but from love. When you remember who walks beside you, fear loses its power.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way
