Page 220 - Christians Must Heed Jesus

Christians Must Heed
Jesus

The actual meaning of
fear of God

Before explaining the kinds of danger that may re-
sult from misconceptions on this subject, it is of great im-
portance to understand what the "fear of God" really is. The majority
of people misunderstand the meaning of the fear of God, and also
claim that fear results in involuntary faith, which would render that
faith invalid. However, this is not what fear of God means.
The fear of God is to submit to God with awe, with a fear that is
derived from deep and abiding respect. Meanwhile, one should avoid
any attitude or thought with which God will not be pleased solely due
to one's deep love of God. It is a fear of losing the love of God. For a
believer, to lose the friendship of God is an even worse pain than
the sufferings of hell.
Love of God and fear of God are part of a single whole. Fear and
love of God become one when a person who loves God very deeply

fears committing an act that will offend God. This is actually the "fear
of God" that a person who loves God experiences. A person who tru-
ly loves God remains loyal to Him with passion, affection, and loves
no matter what conditions he may be under or how much hardship he
may undergo. No conditions, occurrences or hardships can overshad-
ow it or hinder it. Fear of losing the love of God constantly
motivates a person who experiences the love of God: It
gives him joy. It is impossible for such a person to be
careless in performing his acts of worship, to intention-
ally have any flaws in his role as servant or to reckless-
ly engage in unlawful deeds. Throughout his life, a per-
son of such sincere faith will do his best to please God.

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