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!

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What does it mean to fear God?
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God does not desire that any believer be filled with fear—even when it comes to meeting Him:

“God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love” (1 John 4:16-18).

Throughout the Bible we are instructed to fear the Lord. So what does that mean? The Amplified Bible refers to the fear of the Lord as reverential awe: “Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor” (Proverbs 15:33). This reverential fear is full of respect and honor for the Lord.

A great example of a man who understood the fear of the Lord was John Newton. He understood that the reverential fear of the Lord produces a lifestyle that is free from the tormenting fear that comes from the devil. This revelation was apparent when he authored the classic hymn “Amazing Grace.” Let’s look at the second verse of this song:

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Amen!