If God was such a cruel being to be feared, why would you follow him? Since you say God is good, what is there to fear?
2007-02-05 06:16:42 · 12 answers · asked by Maverick 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
In this case "fear" is used in the 1600's usage, i.e. meaning respect, it doesn't mean the fear as in "Run Away".
2007-02-05 06:20:08 · answer #1 · answered by Pirate AM™ 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
The original-language terms used for “fear” often refer to a profound reverence and awe of God. The Bible thus associates fear with love for God. (Deuteronomy 10:12, 13) This reverential awe includes a healthy fear of displeasing God—not simply because we fear the consequences but because we truly love him.
To illustrate: Think about the wholesome relationship between a little boy and his father. The boy senses his father’s warm, loving interest in him. But the boy is also aware of what his father requires of him, and he knows that his father will discipline him if he misbehaves. The boy does not live in morbid fear of his father. On the contrary, he dearly loves his father. The youngster delights in doing what will bring his father’s smile of approval. So it is with godly fear. Because we love Jehovah, our heavenly Father, we dread doing anything that would make him feel “hurt at his heart.” (Genesis 6:6) Rather, we long to make his heart rejoice. (Proverbs 27:11) That is why we want to use our power aright. Let us take a closer look at how we may do so.
2007-02-05 07:17:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Analogy:
When you were a child. You were asked you to do something. You refused and dis-obeyed.
Was there any fear. Because you knew what the consequences were going to be for dis-obeying.
Or was it because of cruelty.
In all actuality, they are just trying to look out for your own good. You do still follow or lean towards them because of the good that they were trying to provide.
Just an analogy.
Has nothing to do with how you were raised.
2007-02-05 06:29:29 · answer #3 · answered by אידיאליסטי™ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because our fear is what is supposed to keep us in line. We fear His wrath for our screw-ups. It gets confusing. Some ministers preach and scream "fire and brimstone" and some focus on the love of God and how we are to be Christian to show our love for Him and to spread his Love. I think it's just a way of saying we do what we do because he are supposed to or we get in trouble, big trouble. I realize this answer is kind of vague and doesn't really answer yours. I guess I could say that we follow Him because of his goodness and all he has given us (the world, life, etc. etc. etc.) but we fear his wrath. Sorry I can't explain it better. To me, it's kind of a combination of the two.
2007-02-05 06:24:22 · answer #4 · answered by Lady in Red 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fear and awe is in His awesome power. In a Word, He can create as well as pass judgment. He is just in His ways.
My joy and gratitude is in His present relationship with me. His goodness is defined in who He truly is ... not in what I WANT Him to be.
I follow Him because I am grateful for His consistency in my life, His promises that He will NEVER go back on, and for His amazing grace that He would come on this earth in the form of a little baby, grow in wisdom and stature, and chose to die for MY SINS in my stead so that I might not have to.
2007-02-05 06:26:39 · answer #5 · answered by Seamless Melody 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, God is God, not a "being".
Second, remember when your parents said, "Because I said so," and if you didn't do what they told you too, there were serious repercusisons? Think of God as the biggest, baddest parent of them all. He loves us unconditionally, only wants the best for us, but seriously... HE WANTS US TO BEHAVE!!!!!!
I believe He even stated (not in so many words) "People! Get your S#$% together!"
2007-02-05 06:25:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have ably demonstrated that you don't understand God. It would be foolish and arrogant to not fear any thing as inconceivably immense as God.
Other Christians: It does not simply mean respect. Let's not equivocate, it makes us unworthy to be thought of as credible.
2007-02-05 06:21:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That comes from the KJV of the Bible, fear simply means respect.
2007-02-05 06:23:31 · answer #8 · answered by HAND 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not God that is to be feared but His sacred Cosmic Laws and by that I do not mean Canon, Sharia, Torah laws etc.
2007-02-05 06:25:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I direct your attention to the cities of Soddam and Gimorah.....
With great respect, often comes great fear...
2007-02-05 06:20:22 · answer #10 · answered by Captain Moe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋