Question of the Day

When Kenneth and Gloria started their journey of faith they had questions too—lots of them! So, we've compiled the most frequently asked questions by people like you—people who earnestly desire to find God's answers to the practical, real-life challenges of everyday living. We have a new question every day, so check back often!

If God is love, why are we told to fear Him?
If God is love, why are we told to fear Him?
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To fear God is not to be afraid of Him. In fact, 1 John 4:18 says, “Perfect love casts out fear” (NKJV). The Bible tells us hundreds of times to “fear not” because fear and terror come from the devil and cause torment (1 John 4:18). But the Hebrew translation for the word fear in reference to God means “to respect or reverence,” which is a very positive thing. 

Consider the following verses about the benefits of “fearing” the Lord.

  • “The fear the LORD is to hate evil.” (Proverbs 8:13, NKJV)
  • “That you may fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments.” (Deuteronomy 6:2, NKJV)
  • “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” (Psalm 111:10, NKJV)
  • “The fear of the LORD lengthens one’s life.” (Proverbs 10:27)
  • “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life.” (Proverbs 14:27, NKJV)
  • “The fear of the Lord leads to life.” (Proverbs 19:23, NKJV)
  • “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence.” (Proverbs 14:26, NKJV)

These are only a few of the scriptures about the good things the fear (honor and respect) of the Lord brings to one’s life. God is a good God! Full of compassion, He is Love. He is also King of kings, Lord of lords, Creator and Almighty God. He is worthy of our deepest and utmost reverence, honor and respect.