Should We Fear God?

Another interpretation of the fear of God, in terms of love

The true interpretation of the fear of God, may not be in terms of being afraid of God. The New Testament in the Bible, reveals the reality that, "God is Love."

Love, in its complexity, multiplicity and diversity of expression, can be interpreted in many ways. The fear of God can be perceived in different ways also. It may be understood in a negative way or perceived in a positive light.

Does God want us to live in terror of His divine wrath?

No, God does not require that we be afraid of Him. We are invited to come to know Him, through His Son, Jesus Christ. When we come to know Jesus, we also come to know the message of the forgiveness of our sins. God offers us unconditional love, love that knows no bounds. Our sins are forgiven by God, when we confess them to Him and accept Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior.

The Bible also teaches us also to hold God in awe and to revere Him.

That is the true fear of God, when fear is perceived in a positive light or in terms of love.

We are invited to be the children of God. God loves each and every one of us. We have the choice of accepting or rejecting His love and His divine forgiveness.

Do children need to fear their parents? No, instead when they are taught properly, they follow the right pathway. The Bible teaches us to repent, meaning that we should stop whatever we are doing that is wrong and do what is right. That is the pathway to joy.

"Perfect love casts out fear."

When we understand the true meaning of the fear of God, we know that we can approach Him, at any time. God is always approachable and wants those who He calls His children to come to Him, knowing that their faith and trust in Him, will be rewarded, in a positive way.

Approaching God is as simple as praying to Him. Anyone can pray to him at any time or in any place. God does answer prayer, although it is not always with the answer that a person desires to receive.

Since "all things work together for good," and not evil, anticipating an answer from God is not something to be afraid of, at any time.

Always remember that God loves you!

If you are a parent, you know that you love your children, maybe even more than they love you. You would not want them to be afraid to come to you. You know that you will deal with them rightly, as you should. You want them to be happy and to enjoy their lives fully.

God wants the same thing for you, even though you may have to go through some trials in your lifetime. God may be refining you for some greater purpose that will be revealed to you, in time. Trust in God and wait upon His answer to your prayers.

This is simply another interpretation of the fear of God, one that is positive and constructive.