The preacher said something that I am sure he was repeating from someone else. He stated, “The Bible says, ‘Do not be afraid’ or ‘Have no fear’ 365 times. There is one for every day of the year. So go out into the world without fear.” 

At first, this sounds true; after all, the Bible does seem to use that phrase repeatedly. A preacher who uses his Bible has probably verified this; it is an easy connection to the days of the year. One verse for every day of the year, the application of the scripture is complete.  

Upon further inspection, there are several problems. First, I can only find 161 times in the NIV translation of the Bible where the words “Fear” and “Not” are used in the same sentence. The term “afraid” only appears 212 times in total. No matter how many ways I search, there are not 365 places in the entire Bible that say these phrases. 

Second, not all those passages are people being told “do not fear” before attempting to do something. Several of those passages are angels talking to terrified people at their angelic appearance. So there is no application to us today unless you see a legitimate Biblical angel. 

Finally, it doesn’t matter how many times the Bible says anything. If there were 365 statements, it would be sheer coincidence. By the same token, if believers are told one time to move forward in life without fear, then it is true whether it says it more or not. 

None of this is my point. I want believers to recognize the danger of repeating something without searching the scriptures to verify it’s true. I first heard this statement in college almost 30 years ago. And it keeps getting used in sermons when it is clearly not true. I encourage all believers to listen to their preachers and teachers closely and then check their sources to see if what they say is accurate before they repeat it. Your favorite Church leader, even if it is me, might very well be wrong.