First Baptist Church, Lagrange, Georgia

Explore the powerful lessons from the story of Joseph and Mary in Matthew 1:18-25 on overcoming the fear of others' opinions. Many of us struggle with self-perception, often worrying about how others judge us. This fear can lead to poor decisions and a distorted self-image. Joseph faced a similar challenge when he discovered Mary was pregnant. Initially, he planned to divorce her quietly to avoid public disgrace, driven by fear of societal judgment. However, an angelic revelation helped him see the situation through God's eyes and follow His divine plan. This story emphasizes the importance of viewing ourselves through God's lens and relying on His Word for guidance. By embracing our true identity in Christ, we can make better decisions and live more fearlessly. Reflect on how fear of others' opinions affects your life and take steps to see yourself as God sees you. Keywords: overcoming fear, Joseph and Mary, Matthew 1:18-25, self-perception, God's perspective, divine guidance, Christian living, fear of judgm