Fearing Bravely: Risking Love for Our Neighbors, Strangers, and Enemies

by Catherine McNiel

Jesus commands us to love our neighbors. So why are so many Christians taught to fear their neighbors? The American church is known as a people who are afraid, who have been nurtured through fear into hatred, and who have moved from hatred to violence--or at least to neglect. This fear, too often lived out boldly in the name of Jesus, is a false religion.

God instructs us to welcome strangers. We are not to withhold hospitality or help from anyone in need. So why do we fear strangers, especially those needing hospitality, afraid that their presence may threaten what we have?

Jesus taught us to love our enemies. We are to pray for those who actively harm us. Instead, we create enemies in our minds, seeing anyone who thinks, believes, looks, or lives differently from us as dangerous, a threat to our way of living.

The Christian community exists to declare and demonstrate God's love and to follow Jesus in practicing love over fear, even in unsafe times and places. It's time to reclaim our brave fear of God and risk transformative love for the sake of our neighbors, the strangers among us, and our enemies.

We are people of the Kingdom. Fearing Bravely teaches us that we have nothing to fear. Instead, we can respond to our fear problem with a brave love that emerges from choosing to let our fear of God overcome our fear of everything else.

Catherine McNiel writes with conviction, wisely guiding us to recognize our fear and, with God's help, not let it limit us to love courageously all who are among us.

Genres: Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christian, Audiobook, Social Justice, Theology, Social Issues

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2022

Reviews

[Catherine McNiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pleased to be the first to review Fearing Bravely....and I'm quite confident I was the first person to read it. 😉

[Marty Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes. This was a book. This was another read that completely snuck up on me. McNiel places you in good hands as she encourages us to say yes to the challenging yoke of Jesus and his call to love — everyone.

This book is practical, poetic, and profound. It ushers a clarion call and a prophetic challenge to Jesus-followers today to consider what it means to love our neighbors, strangers, and enemies. Don’t make the mistake I did, thinking that there would be a section that would be “easy to swallow.” McNiel made even the elementary ideas powerful and poignant. I was challenged in every chapter and better for it. She did all this without being preachy or unnecessarily provocative or polarizing.

Throughout the entire read, McNiel anchored the problem to her opening section, a section on fear and how it has too often taken hold of Christian practice. She does not offer a deceptive solace for a moment; our call to live in courage and not let fear define how we see others could cost us everything. But that is the way of our Teacher.

One of my new favorite books. I highly recommend it.

[Stacey Pardoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know how much I needed this book until I started reading it! We are living in an era in which so many of us feel isolated and disconnected from the people around us. Catherine's words are spurring me to step out of my comfort zone, push through my introverted fears, and connect with the people God has placed in my life in deeper ways.

Fearing Bravely is an incitement to reframe the way we perceive those we don't understand. I'm learning to take small, practical steps toward carrying the love of Christ to my neighbors and beyond. Most of all, this book is reigniting my passion for living out my faith! I'm learning to put the teaching of Christ into action on an everyday basis, and this journey is breathing fresh wind into my Christian walk!

[Laura Booz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is shaking me awake. Giving me a lot to think about, pray about, and incorporate into my daily life. Instead of relying on social stories, Catherine bases her appeal on the Bible's teaching about God's character and ways. It's these truths I find myself wrestling with the most, thanking God for His mercy, and praying for His help to love people the way He has always wanted us to.

Catherine asks, "Which world will you live for, friend? The kingdom of fear that leads to hate, suspicion, vengeance, and violence disguised as righteousness? Or the Kingdom of the God who first laid down his weapons and then laid down his life, who bears our burdens and carries our sorrows, who places the weary on his shoulders and offers rest?"

Fearing Bravely makes me want to live for the Kingdom of God with all my heart.

[Juliekay2112gmail.Com]

I needed to read this book at this time. It is easy to feel a little lost and overwhelmed in our current cultural climate. Catherine McNiel reminds us of the command Jesus gave us and offers her own experiences as encouragement and insight. I felt lighter, at peace, though the task ahead is daunting. I know what to do and as I begin my day, I pray God will show me how to help my neighbors, as that is what we all are.

[Dawn Fairfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

“They will know we are Christians by our love” We’ve all sung the song but have we lived it? Walked out those words in our lives. Bore that fruit? For many “Christians” the answer is no. Fear stops us. Fear of the other, the different, fear of losing our power, our position, our status. Fear of the uncomfortable, the unknown, the inconvenient. In Fearing Bravely, the author challenges us to think about what it means to “Love your neighbor as yourself” and to “Fear not”. This book is a must read for anyone that calls themselves a Christian. The church has lost its way when it comes to loving her neighbor (in my opinion) and this book is a road map to get back to our calling. “The church survived centuries of social marginalization and legal persecution and cannot be stopped from the outside. But we will annihilate ourselves from the inside if we are too afraid to practice God’s love - to lay down our rights and our lives, if necessary, in service to our neighbors, strangers, and enemies.” (pg 39 Fearing Bravely) Can I get an Amen?!?

[Sharla Fritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fearing Bravely both challenged me and comforted me. The subtitle—Risking Love for Our Neighbors, Strangers, and Enemies—immediately caught my attention because I have lately felt the call to stretch myself to reach out to people in my community. But honestly, even the idea sometimes scares me. The book calmed my fears as it taught that as we focus on God’s grace and love, we can also offer them to the people around us.

I loved the “Fearing God” section of the book where the author reminded readers that as we live in “fear” of God—in awe and worship of Him—He rewires our brains. We begin to see our neighbors, strangers, and enemies as He sees them—objects of His love.

In each of the following sections of “Neighbors,” “Strangers,” and “Enemies,” the author tells personal stories of her encounters with each and her own struggles to love. She relates Bible stories that show God’s heart for the people in these categories and motivates readers to love and care.

I think my favorite parts of the book are the “Brave Steps” that follow each section. Here the author offers questions for reflection or discussion and then some practical ways to face our fears and step out in love to our neighbors, strangers, and enemies. Each section had thoughtful questions and some doable activities. McNiel encourages us to not attempt to do everything at once, but find a place to begin and do what we can.

[Annette Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you tired of sitting on the sidelines, afraid to live life to its fullest, and afraid you’ll never do enough? This book will challenge you, it might hurt your feelings, but perhaps it should?! Catherine’s engaging style of writing is easy to read, yet so complex you’ll find yourself re-reading sentences numerous times to be sure it has changed your soul. As Christians we all want to live life with reckless abandon, loving all Gods people and yet society says be afraid ….. stop listening to them…..and fear bravely.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author points out the difficulty in achieving that which is the most important and basic of commandments: Love God with everything you are, and love your neighbor as yourself. This simple command which we have been taught as children seems to get harder, not easier to follow. The author gives practical "homework" assignments to help the reader fulfill our directives and acknowledges her own struggles in attaining these goals. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for an advance digital copy.

[Rebecca Detrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

McNiel writes straight to the heart of the matter with this book. Her direct identification of the common ways we try to translate away the call to love neighbors, strangers, and enemies is done with sharp, unapologetic prose that gracefully call us each to a more biblical and full approach to love which honors ALL HUMANS as loved by God and receiving of the same grace. Reminding us that "God's invitation and command - is for us to be a blessing." Beyond identifying who and how we can love, Mcniel provides "Brave steps" consisting of manageable practices and reflective questions at the end of each section that help to ease us into this risky business of love.

[Traci Rhoades · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine is such a clear communicator. What she encourages in this boom is not optional. She's not trying to pretty it up. We're called to be neighbors, and that demands sacrifice and intentionality. I appreciate her vulnerability and research in this latest book offering.

[Paula Frances Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine McNeil's book, Fearing Bravely: Risking Love for our Neighbors, Strangers, and Enemies, feels like a loving discipleship session. Through her stories and retelling of bible verses, she invites the reader into a more profound love of God and our neighbors. And while there were hard truths that challenged me in the pages, it was written with so much love that I found myself feeling inspired.

[Judy Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fearing Bravely encouraged me to be open to developing relationships with anyone and everyone that God brings into my neighborhood, workplace, grocery store; my life. Among the challenges this book gave me were:
a. Rethinking my ideas of a "good" neighborhood, schools, church, etc., to imagine how I may be of service to others instead of how others may be of service to me and my family.
b. Rethinking by idea of the word "enemies" in Jesus words to love them. I don't have outright enemies, but there are those who rub me the wrong way or with whom I don't have much in common. These are the people I am to pray for and love.
c. Rethinking reconciliation. Who should make the first move, the offender or the offended? McNiel points out that in Isaiah's beautiful words about a wolf living with a lamb, etc., that the reason they can live in harmony had little to do with the lamb. It is the wolf who must change his predatory ways.
McNiel shares personal experiences to demonstrate how to live in Christian bravery, which is different from the hero-bravery we see in movies. Christian bravery is acknowledging our real fears and entrusting them to God. It will not be easy, she says, but it's the only way to follow Jesus.
"Let me put if bluntly: Fear is not a Christian practice. A society oriented around politicians, the economy, or the media may choose to live in fear, but Christians have already died to themselves and been raised in Christ. What do we have left to lose?" (Kindle location 403)
Fearing Bravely gave me new and needed ways of thinking about neighbors, strangers and enemies. I highly recommend this book.
(I received an advance digital copy from the author/publisher.)

[Stephanie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author writes with compassion, conviction, and compelling theological insight. The topic of the book should be one that calls to Christians. We should always be in the posture of seeking wisdom and scriptural interpretation from different voices regarding what it looks like to follow Jesus. Jesus' words were sometimes uncomfortable to the original audience and still are today. Subversive. But calling us to love our neighbors is emphasized throughout scripture. Catherine unpacks the uncomfortable answer to "Who is my neighbor?"

Through personal stories, scholarly exegetical research, and a personable writing style, she exhorts the reader to ponder on the life changing process and consequences of practicing Jesus' command. It becomes all to easy to justify reasons not to do it. As she points out, we must acknowledge why and how we fear it. But again, Catherine unpacks how loving others has been part of the context of God's word to us beginning with the Israelites in the Old Testament. This included, welcoming strangers unconditionally and desiring the welfare of the Babylonians who were perceived as enemies. "When we choose the opposite path, inviting people to join our lives, families and homes until our paths irrevocably mingle, it does change us-but that's not something to be afraid of."

Questions and suggested practices are located at the end of each section. These resources offer the reader the opportunity to ponder, wrestle and listen for God's voice. She recognizes the different ways people process information and give us a way to choose specific ways to respond to the words. The question we should always be asking when reading is: how does this information transform me?

This book is highly recommended as individual or group reading. Currently, our country is polarized as it struggles with immigration, criminal justice and political division. Christians should be speaking into the hope found living in a kingdom that centers on loving our neighbors as ourselves. However, fear of all kinds of things keep us from exploring how scripture speaks on a command that in Jesus' words summarizes all the commandments. This book acknowledges it, unpacks it and offers the hope that we can cling to as we speak.

[Amy G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine’s first book, Long Days of Small Things, shaped my view of my calling as a mother. Her second, All Shall Be Well, deepened my ability to recognize God’s truths in the cycles of nature. In Fearing Bravely, Catherine now challenges me to consider how I practice the Christian mandate to love my neighbors (and enemies).

The author’s clear, comfortable writing style evokes the feeling of a conversation over coffee, but the message it carries is weighty and compelling. She mixes personal anecdotes with direct, biblical truths to examine the Christian culture of fear that surrounds us, leaving me encouraged to find inspiration in the early Church and their unabashed pursuit of love and justice in the face of devastating cultural and social obstacles.

In Fearing Bravely, Catherine lays out a framework for exercising our privilege, relating to our neighbors, even choosing where to send our kids to school. All in the practice of overturning “social, generational, and neurobiological cycles” of fear and even hatred that keep us from the lifestyle of love we’re called to follow. “This active love is not an easy, breezy feeling,” she declares, “but a lifestyle we must choose daily.”

Through this book, the author gives us concrete tools to practice that lifestyle. Each section concludes with “Brave Steps”: reflections, discussion topics, and actions designed for small group or individual application of the vital truths in the book.

Fearing Bravely boldly exhorts Christians to struggle with difficult matters of xenophobia, immigration, crime, political strife, and justice. At the same time, Catherine employs compassion and theological discernment to remind us that “Jesus invites us to place our eyes on God and walk forward into the storm.”

[Mark Hammel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared to be challenged. If you have felt the nudge to love your neighbors, check out this book. Catherine will inspire you to redefine who your neighbor is and give you a clear path forward. The book is not meant to make you feel guilty, but to encourage you to step out in love. Everyone's next step will be different. This book will give you the knowledge and ask the questions you need to be asked to discover this next step for yourself. I look forward to digging into this love with my small groups and frankly, anyone who will listen. Will you risk love with me?

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book read by this author, and it won’t be my last!
While making an argument for the addressing the elephant in the room, Catherine does a phenomenal job of laying out the issue of fear regarding the stranger in our communities while applying Scripture and encouraging common sense to reach a common goal. By applying the suggested exercises listed at the culmination of each section, I have been so compelled to share with others and get outside of my comfort zone in order to make a difference in the lives of strangers living in, or visiting, my community. Thank you, Catherine McNiel; you truly have a gift.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I see someone in need, I usually have the urge to help, but many times I don't act on that urge. Before reading Fearing Bravely I might have said that was because I was too busy, or I didn't want to make people uncomfortable by inserting myself into their lives. Now I have to face the fact that I'm really letting fear hold me back; fear of being taken advantage of, fear of seeming strange for offering to help a stranger, fear of having my motives misunderstood. Catherine offers a compelling reminder that Jesus called his followers to love our neighbors and every day offers me a chance to love those around me if I'm brave enough.

[Meghan Tschanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly believe every Christian in America needs to read this book, and be convicted.

So many are leaving the Church, because the Church has not been loving it's neighbor, instead they are known to create enemies by fearing anything outside of their denominations.

This book boldly puts the call to love back in the Church, and puts it where it belongs, as the greatest commandment and highest priority.

[Brian Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even before Covid we had been moved to be more hospitable. Perhaps it was seeing a better example in the countries I have been blessed to visit. Perhaps it was having friends from long ago that exemplified it to a level that I can barely imagine.

Whatever the case - this book is sorely needed. In it 1st fear is addressed. Then those we need to reach...neighbors (easy)....strangers(a little bit harder) and enemies. All addressed in a Biblical framework that the early church new well but has been repackaged to fit our culture instead of speaking to it.

There are many lived experiences in Living Bravely by Catherine McNeil that give examples.

And there are the Biblical text that were gone thru - the Good Samaritan, the need to Love your enemies - or as it was described - those we find 'odious'.

My hope is that those that read this will become like others that feared bravely..

Corrie Ten Boom -

André Trocmé and a church in the village of Le Chambon sur Lignon ...taking others in during a time fear reigned in a symbol of a broken cross.

A couple we know that spent years among very marginalized people...always room at their table..

Cheryl Beckett - who went to Afghanistan to work among the needy till it cost her her life. Her story inspired our daughter.

Many stories of others that chose FearingBravely is spite of the cost ...in spite of the easy to retreat into the shadows...

[Pauline Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some parts of this book made me smile and some parts made me squirm.

As Christians, we all know that Jesus calls us to love God and love our neighbours - but the author helped me to seriously think through the question of ‘Who is my neighbour?’.

Just when you think you’ve understood who your neighbour is, the author goes on to include ‘strangers’ in that category. And just when you think you are uncomfortable enough, she goes on to include ‘enemies’ in that category.

The book is hugely challenging but also intensely practical, as each of the three main sections ends with helpful ‘Brave Steps’ to consider taking by way of response.

I found it really helpful to think through our (often) complacent Western understanding of what we mean by loving God and loving our neighbour.

[Darcy Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provided a good re-alignment for me, reminding me of the love, power, and sound mind that I hope will characterize my life whether things are steady or uncertain. The author's focus here is on the long-view of God’s plan for blessing the whole world. The stories and teaching points help readers to consider how we are being driven away from that whole world vision by personal fears and concerns.

How do modern believers get out of the cycle of fear, negativity, and unproductive (even destructive) conversations? By reminding ourselves of who we are. McNiel says, “Christians are those who encounter strangers and see neighbors,” and “Fear is not a Christian practice.” Yet so many of us have wrongly been “discipled by fear” to either fight out loud for our preferences or retreat into isolation.

Fearing Bravely presses into the tensions in modern American Christian culture, yet it is not a judgmental read; it’s a remarkably refreshing one. As I read this book, I felt a loosening of some of my own anxieties and a renewed enthusiasm about the role of the Church in the world. As Fearing Bravely has taken me back through the scope of Scripture, I’m once again drawn to the reality that God has designed and equipped us for practicing Spirit-filled hospitality with those inside and outside the Church.

This is a quick and uplifting read that goes beyond just imparting information and offers a way to experience the concepts. Sometimes, even when my heart is in the right place I don’t necessarily know where to start and I need a tangible list of good things to get me going, so I especially love the Brave Steps sections at the end of each chapter. These sections provide thought-provoking questions, spiritual practices, practical tips for being a better neighbor, and even art and music recommendations to reflect on God’s heart for all people. I recommend this book for believers and church leaders who are wanting to tune in with God’s heart for their neighbors and work toward harmony, especially in increasingly diverse communities.

[Dorothy Greco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been anticipating this book since I heard that Catherine signed a contract to write it. This is perhaps the central question that the author explores in Fearing Bravely: "Are there no boundaries to your love?" Implication being, then why do we limit who we love?

Throughout the book, she challenges any notions that we (followers of Christ) have the right to exclude, demean, discriminate against, or avoid those who look, talk, or believe differently than we do.

She asks, "Are we afraid to follow the God who died for his enemies?" while encouraging us to consider what "disruptive nonviolent resistance rooted and powered in love" might l0ok like and how we might "actively resist evil with love." Her message is challenging and incredibly timely.

Fearing Bravely is thoughtful and well-written. It would make for a great home group study.

[Kristi Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fearing Bravely has such an important message that is for all of us who seek to follow Jesus, no matter where we are on the social/political spectrum. I really was impressed at the remarkable combination of poignant personal stories and insightful truth. It is so thought-provoking, but also easy to read – I found it hard to put down. The message of the book is not presented with a few Bible verses tacked on, but the Bible is really used as a source of truth, with significant research and exegesis that reveals insights and context I had not known before. The thing I appreciate most about this book is the way that McNiel helps us to see God’s heart of love more clearly as she explores how God shows love to people throughout history and how God calls us to love others in radical, counter-cultural ways.

[Janet Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The two most important commandments, according to Jesus, are to love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and to love others as much as we love ourselves. And Jesus made it clear that the “others” we are to love are not just our friends and family and people like us, but also the people who are very different from us, who might even hate us, but who need us to show them God’s love.

Catherine’s book reminds us of the many ways Jesus encouraged—even commanded—us to love others. She challenges us to put aside our fear of losing what we have, to take risks, and to see other people as Jesus sees them—as neighbors instead of enemies. It’s something every Christian needs to be reminded of, especially now as we see our communities fracturing more and more into camps of “us” against “them.”

If you're looking for a book to inspire and challenge you, choose this one.

[Phil Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has hit me hard. I highly recommend you go buy this book and read it today. I truly believe this is the best work @catherinemcniel has done! I’m convicted, troubled, hopeful and reminded that “these three remain: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.” #fearingbravely

[Tom Chilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following Jesus is not a safe path that we maintain through fear and hate. No, following Jesus is about taking risks to show love and compassion for our neighbors, for strangers and even our enemies. Catherine McNiel’s, Fearing Bravely, encouraged me, challenged me and revealed true insights into God and His character. I really needed to read this book for my own spiritual health, and I am so glad that I did. I have renewed resolve and courage to love my neighbors and to take practical steps to live out the teachings of Jesus. I believe this is also a much-needed message for the Church today. We have surrendered far too much ground to fear and hate. It is time to turn our hearts to loving, even (and especially!) when it is hard. I strongly encourage others to read this book. Read it with a friend or a group, and let’s start putting it into practice!

[Lisa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine takes a command that we know well - to love our neighbors, strangers, and enemies - helps us better understand it and apply it to our lives. She asks us to set aside our fear of those who are different and to reach out with brave love. This is not a feel good book about just spreading love out into the world, Catherine admits that it will be hard, but worth it. Each section ends with Brave Steps - that give reflection/discussion questions, practices, and art to look or listen to that help illustrate what you have learned. There were two parts that I will carry with me. The first is that we need to love our enemies - but that does not mean putting ourselves in bad situations or in to stay in traumatic situations. We can love our enemies from afar and pray for them. The second one is a beautiful description about being the salt and the light - not too much or not too little. Her descriptions and deeper knowledge help me to see these descriptions clearer and deeper than before. Catherine's words will stay with me and I hope the continue to compel me to risk love and fear bravely.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this timely, important book by Catherine McNiel, but readers be warned. Her words are a challenge to the church. Early followers of Jesus were known for love and compassion, even toward those who were hostile to their existence. The book asks a hard and soul-searching question: “Is the church today known by our love?”

Believers argue over so many issues—sexuality, politics, gender roles—but McNiel’s book questions why we don’t hold each other accountable for loving our neighbors intentionally and sacrificially. Most importantly, she argues that if Christians were to treat strangers and foreigners with the same dignity we ascribe to Christ, the world would be a vastly different place.

My favorite discussion in the book involved enemies where the author fleshes out the background of the word “enemy.” McNiel challenges us to look at this term differently and take Jesus at his word to love the strangers, outcasts, and poor among us. With practical suggestions and reflection questions at the end of each chapter, this is a must-read and a helpful book. Read it slowly with an open heart.

[Brent Billings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am pierced to the heart and utterly seen.

This book is beautiful for so many reasons. Catherine shares vivid stories like that of her Uber driver (or possibly an angel?) who was sent at just the right time to be exactly what she needed in a moment of crisis.

I also love the practical ways to engage art. It’s not something I have the skills to appreciate very easily on my own, but Catherine takes the reader on a journey and then guides him to a wonderful illustration thereof.

But the real gut punch came in the end with the stranger turned enemy turned neighbor, a story I can identify with through two of my own situations. Like Catherine, my stories are not resolved, but I know I am not alone.