Therefore, it is imperative that you forgive people and let go of any offensive thoughts. Sometimes you may encounter people who constantly cause you trouble, you need to forgive them, but at the same time you distance yourself from these people, they are influenced by the devil, to create bastions of fear in your life. Protect yourself from these people, because their actions and words are designed to destroy you. Instead, focus on God’s word and His blessings on your life and it will bring you peace and freedom. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV). We can overcome the fear of man by replacing it with the fear of God. When we fear God, we lay down our lives to obey His words. The fear of God leads us to live our lives in complete freedom and not to be afraid of anyone. We trust in God, who loves us completely and protects us. The fear of God is a reverential fear that draws us into awe of God's mighty power and love. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear is connected with punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18