Research showing that love mindsets are the norm while fear mindsets are learned is revolutionary for scientists. But it’s not new if you look at Scripture: ‘There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.’ Over the past several decades, scientists have researched the anatomy and physiology of love and fear. These are two different systems, and at any one conscious moment, we will be operating in one or the other.

Science is showing us that there is a massive ‘unlearning’ of negative toxic thoughts when we operate in love. We can unlearn negative fear – it is not part of our innate natural functioning. Recent neuroscientific research suggests that some of the chemicals the brain releases when we are operating in love, including oxytocin, can calm fear and worry, support the brain’s capacity for positive change, and help us form healthier ways of thinking and connecting with others. This chemical also flows when we trust, bond, and reach out to others. So, choosing to operate in love can literally ‘drive out fear’.

Research also shows that when we do good things and reach out in love, endorphins and serotonin are also released. These detoxify our brains and increase our motivation and wisdom, helping us handle life more successfully. We see the profound consequences of choosing between love and fear in Scripture: ‘I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life’ (Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV). In Ecclesiastes 7:29 we are told, ‘God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path’ (NLT). The choice is yours: walk in fear or walk in love.