The Fear of God in the Perspective of Grace
“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13) These words clearly illustrate God’s desire for humanity to live in both reverent fear and genuine love simultaneously. The fear of God is not a crippling dread but rather profound awe and respect for the Creator’s majesty.
Today, many shy away from discussing the fear of God, mistakenly believing it contradicts grace. However, it is precisely grace that elevates us to genuine fear of God. Without grace, this reverence can become oppressive, robbing life of its joy. True fear of God, in contrast, is meant to bless, empower, and guide us toward a life of harmony and purpose.
A piece of Jewish wisdom captures this truth succinctly: “Everything is in the hands of heaven, except the fear of heaven.” This underscores our personal responsibility regarding our attitude toward God. Like Abraham, we are called to walk before God, and in doing so, we find purity and integrity.
Authentic fear of God is not associated with guilt or dread of punishment, as was the case with Adam after his fall, who hid from God upon hearing His voice. Such fear is human, born out of sin and the realization of wrongdoing. Conversely, godly fear brings a profound reverence and love for God, creating opportunities for intimate fellowship with Him as our Heavenly Father, who is also the Sovereign Lord of all.
The Book of Proverbs clearly states: “The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” (Proverbs 8:13) A crucial aspect of godly fear is the love of truth and the hatred of evil. To hate evil does not mean to despise those who commit it; rather, it involves separating individuals from their actions, loving people made in God’s image while rejecting the evil they commit.
God is not the author of disasters, wars, or diseases. His purpose is salvation and abundant life, demonstrated by giving His Son to bear the sins and curses of the entire world on the cross. Thus, godly fear leads to wisdom, keeps us from the snares of death, and guides us toward the source of life.
Scripture explicitly teaches, “The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.” (Proverbs 10:27) Longevity and blessings are promises for those who live in reverence for God. Conversely, forsaking this path shortens life and fills one’s cup with lawlessness. True fulfillment and joy are accessible only to those who maintain respect and honor toward God.
The Apostle Paul encourages us to hold firmly to grace, serving God with reverence and awe because “our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:29) Grace received through Jesus does not eliminate godly fear; instead, it heightens its significance. Grace never grants license to disregard God’s commandments but rather enables us to fulfill them joyfully and peacefully.
Our testimony to the world manifests in how we honor God through our lives. People around us notice our lifestyle and actions; therefore, it is essential that they reflect our genuine love and reverence for God. Our children and loved ones observe and sense the authenticity of our hearts, leaving a lasting impression on their souls.
The true fear of God is a treasure leading us to a life filled with blessings and peace. It becomes the source of wisdom, knowledge, and, most importantly, love that unites us with God and one another. Let us, therefore, cherish grace, living with profound reverence and respect for the Lord, allowing our lives to mirror His glory and goodness.
Pastor Oren lev Ari