Seriously...I've heard it time and again that people should always fear God. Why? Is it because He allowed his only son to be sacrified for our sins? Because He is all knowing, all powerful, and can banish us to Hell in a moment's flash?
Some of us have been through some major trials in this life. After all that, why should we be afraid of God?
One would think that God would want us to respect Him out of love not fear. Isn't it considered abusive in any other relationship when one person fears the other?
Now, don't go getting all upset at me...I'm not trying to be inflammatory, just asking questions.
2006-08-17 22:52:52 · 19 answers · asked by WhyAskWhy 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
God does not want us to fear him
i think that only those who are corrupted by the devil will
want people to fear God as they would be able to gain control of the people who listen to him
in other-words these people are trying to influence people into believing that God is only to be feared and that they are the key to salvation and there path to heaven
and these people will get sent to hell
2006-08-17 23:06:20 · answer #1 · answered by x040493t 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Pain of Bitterness
1 Samuel 13:5-14
Bitterness is never a legitimate response for a child of God. It poisons the mind, the emotions, and the spirit. When did this resentful attitude take root in King Saul? Let’s look at two events in his life for clues.
Saul couldn’t go to battle until Samuel the prophet arrived to offer the burnt sacrifice as God had commanded. During the wait, Saul’s men became terrified of the enemy and started to leave, so the king took action and made the sacred offering himself. He may have thought, This has to be done right away. Why shouldn’t I do it? He failed to see the necessity of obeying divine commands to the letter. God viewed this as a serious act of rebellion, which would lead to judgment: Saul’s kingdom wouldn’t endure. God would one day appoint someone else to take over as ruler instead of Saul’s descendants. Imagine Saul’s reaction to hearing the kingdom would not belong to his family.
During the war against the Amalekites, King Saul once again failed to follow the Lord’s instructions fully. When confronted by Samuel about his misdeed, he lied and claimed that he had obeyed; later, however, Saul attempted to justify his disobedience. His unrepentant heart grieved the Lord and resulted in further judgment: he, the king, was now rejected by God (1 Samuel 15:10-11, 26). I believe Saul’s descent into bitterness began with the news that his disobedience would cost him the kingdom. Be sure to take your disappointments and anger immediately to the Lord. Pour them out before Him, and ask Him to help you let them go. Your spiritual health depends on it.
2006-08-17 23:43:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible says to not fear the man who can destroy your body but to fear the one who can destroy both the body and soul. Don't you think you should have a little fear of a being that can utterly destroy you for all time? I do. When I say fear or the bible says fear it doesn't mean the kind of fear where you run away. It means more of a respectful fear. Not horror.
2006-08-18 00:21:25 · answer #3 · answered by kingofnarniaforever 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well my own personal view is that - when you believe in God in whatever shape or form, you are recognising that there is a superior and omnipresent being(s)! With that recognition comes this sense of awe, inspiration, security and also fear of the unknown. It's not that we respect God out of fear - we respect out of his powers - what he has created and what he has and will do for us - but with his power and his Almighty-ness, comes the fear.
it's a perfect balance!
2006-08-18 00:09:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let's not confuse the fear factor.
We are not taught to fear GOD as in being scared of him rather have the utmost respect for HIM and the power that HE can wield at HIS will.
2006-08-17 22:59:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anthony 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I was never taught to fear God. I was always told that He forgives all my sins, takes care of me when no one else can. "God Loves, and Love is GOD" is the message I got from my parents, teachers, and the religious elders. Like a Parent/Teacher, He may discipline you, when you err, but He truly cares.
2006-08-17 23:02:45 · answer #6 · answered by ks_anand_77 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wasn't taught that. I believe what God says He "does not give us a Spirit of Fear but of Love,Joy and a Sound mind."
/
2006-08-17 23:19:00 · answer #7 · answered by Pashur 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ah.... a common misconception of the meaning of "fear" in that phrase is your problem.
Now, in this case, (forgive me if I forget the Greek/Hebrew terms), fear does not mean "cower before Me or I shall smite Thee with lightning bolts" fear. It means "respecting His authority and awesomeness" because He is just that, God.
It's like a relationship with a good father. You love him, you can go to him with your problems, you know he loves you and would never mean to harm you
BUT
you respect his house rules and you know that he has the power, ability and the authority to discipline you if you're out of line.
Does that kind of fearing make sense to you? :)
2006-08-17 23:01:40 · answer #8 · answered by Studier Alpha 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I think the fear mentioned in the bible is a reverent kind of fear more respectful and loving than scared...
2006-08-17 22:58:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
i grow to be not at all taught the reason-effect which you consult from. it incredibly is the no longer the frustration which will deliver you to hell, however the blasphemy of the holy spirit. it relatively is sweet to worry God in spite of the incontrovertible fact that. worry can in basic terms assist you to draw closer to him, it incredibly is like a fence around you.
2016-12-11 10:50:46 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋