if god is supposed to be a loving and merciful god than why the need to "fear" him?
what is meant by "fear"?
2006-10-07 16:25:54 · 11 answers · asked by bgdadyp 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To fear God means to have a healthy respect for him and understand that our position in the universe is solely based on his love and compassion and we are unable to even exist wihtout him.
2006-10-07 18:43:46 · answer #1 · answered by Sparkle1 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
For the unbeliever, the fear of God is to fear the judgment of God and eternal death, which is eternal separation from God. For the believer, the fear of God is something much different. The believer's fear is reverence of God. Hebrews 12:28-29 is a good description of this, "Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire." This reverence and awe is exactly what the fear of God means for Christians. This is the motivating factor for us to surrender to the Creator of the Universe for His service.
2006-10-07 23:38:13 · answer #2 · answered by Just Cuz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever known someone--a person--who was fully present, attentive, nonjudgmental, accepting of you, alert, aware, kind? If so, have you ever felt "icky" around this person...ever felt "bad" in comparison?
This is the best I can do, using a human situation to relate the fear of God to you. It is when you stand in front of something that is pure and good, and your own impurities seem to become more visible...and you feel sort of dirty and ashamed?
You may not have had this experience. I have. And while it is a dim approximation--since no person I know is anywhere near as good as God--it points to something...namely that when you stand in the face of purity and are yourself impure, it creates a fear. A fear of goodness. Because goodness--if you've ever known it--is actually terrifying.
I hope I made sense here.
2006-10-07 23:30:47 · answer #3 · answered by Gestalt 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fear is understanding that we have a choice. We can accept the plan of salvation GOD has supplied or reject GOD and accept the consequences for our actions.
Yes if we believe in Jesus the we call GOD "daddy". But if we do not then..... Its Hell Fire and Brimstone. Understanding that is the fear of GOD.
May GOD richly bless ya.
2006-10-07 23:31:38 · answer #4 · answered by Bye Bye 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's an old expression, and I think it's just meant to mean that we are aware that God holds the cards.....not us. Just to keep us from getting too cocky :)
My feeling about God is much the way I felt about my father growing up. I knew he was capable of causing me some MAJOR grief if he wanted to, so I stayed in line, but I knew he loved me and would never hurt me. So I was never actually scared of him.
2006-10-07 23:34:02 · answer #5 · answered by Schleppy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The bible says that the 'fear of the lord is the beginnig of wisdom', so I think it means respect for God's power, which is a wise thing to remember.
2006-10-07 23:29:46 · answer #6 · answered by WHITE TRASH ARMENIAN 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Fear in this context means reverence or respect not being afraid...
Fear = "reverential awe, esp. toward God"
2006-10-07 23:30:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is not a morbid fear. It is a wholesome fear of displeasing God.
2006-10-08 01:26:29 · answer #8 · answered by LineDancer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps you should read Machiavelli's The Prince. It explains that it is better to be feared and respected than to be loved.
2006-10-07 23:33:48 · answer #9 · answered by jewels_46_2 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
same way when you screw up and you know your in trouble from your earthly parents, you have a reverential "fear"..some even fear their little butts being whipped, but that is a different type of fear altogether
2006-10-08 00:16:43 · answer #10 · answered by candi_k7 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋