Fear Not To Do Good

Being afraid of what other people think, can keep us from enjoying what we are doing, and may keep us from doing things that would help us progress, learn, serve, and be happier.  Joy D. Jones says, "Our love for and devotion to Him (Heavenly Father) preempts the need for recognition or appreciation and allows His love to flow through us."
(October General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, For Him) This made me think that if I focus on doing things to serve God -- making my love for Him my motivation -- it could take away the fear of what people will think.

I am really good at coming up with good ideas of nice things I could do, and then talking myself out of them because "what if they don't need this", or "what if they think this is silly", or "what if they hate my cooking".  I let fear of the what ifs stop me from doing good.  Well, what if instead of thinking my offering is silly, they feel loved, and not forgotten by me, or by Heavenly Father, who often helps people through other people?

I have a couple of friends that I had been thinking and thinking about.  I wanted to do something nice, but I couldn't figure out what.  I had talked myself out of texting, calling, dropping off a decoration, and dropping off a treat.  Finally, on that same rainy day I talked about in a previous post, I picked up some flowers and dropped them off hoping to bring a bit of sunshine to a rainy day.  I know that Heavenly Father loves these ladies, and is pleased when I don't let fear be an excuse to talk myself out of doing nice things for them.

Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward.

Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.Doctrine and Covenants 6: 33-34