The word anxious translates from a Greek verb that means to deeply care about something or someone. It can refer to proper or legitimate concern. Paul uses it this way when he says of his spiritual protégé, Timothy, “I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare” (Philippians 2:20). But the word can also refer to sinful or undue concern. Jesus used the term this way when He said, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things” (Luke 10:41).
