Lesson 170 of A Course in Miracles opens with the statement, “There is no cruelty in God and none in me.” This idea invites a rethinking of how fear, judgment, and protection have been understood. The lesson walks through the way fear becomes self-reinforcing. When someone believes they are under threat, they may attack as a way to defend themselves. The mind learns to associate cruelty with safety and to treat love as risky or weak. (See also, 1 John 4:18 [“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, for fear has to do with punishment.”].)
The lesson traces how this pattern splits the mind, building a false sense of safety that actually preserves fear. It explains that this split comes from the belief in a God who punishes. Once fear is accepted as divine, the idea of love becomes distorted. The lesson calls this belief an idol—not an object of worship in a formal sense, but a mental image formed to explain suffering. It is not until this image is questioned and seen clearly that it loses its power. In that moment, the mind becomes free to choose again. (See also, Lamentations 3:33 [“He does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men.”].)
This choice is described in practical terms. The eyes, the voice, and the heart take on a new function. Fear is no longer the guide, and cruelty is no longer seen as strength. The lesson ends by affirming a shared holiness that was never lost. It describes this awareness as a kind of return—a coming back to what has always been true. (See also, Luke 6:36 [“Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”].)
The invitation is not to fight against fear, but to recognize it has no true foundation once its protection is withdrawn. In doing so, the belief in a punishing God is replaced by the awareness of presence and help. (See also, Isaiah 41:10 [“Fear not, for I am with you . . . I will strengthen you, I will help you.”].)
This realignment makes room for the understanding that love has never left, even if it was misunderstood. The Course describes this movement as a return to awareness—a gentle uncovering of what has always been present. (Psalm 103:8 [“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”].)
The lesson affirms that holiness is something remembered—an inner recognition that arises without striving or attainment. The foundation of that remembering is gentleness, justice, and humility. (Micah 6:8 [“What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”].)
Reflection Questions:
- Have I ever believed that cruelty or punishment would keep me safe?
- In what ways do I still defend myself from love?
- Am I willing to look upon my deepest fears and question whether they come from God or from a false idol I made?
