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by PonderAppreciatively on November 5th, 2008
"Fear of God" does not refer to a morbid fear of punishment.
It is based on love of God and respect for his position.
It's a wholesome dread of displeasing or disappointing him. When we love someone we don't want to do things that that make them unhappy.
Religious leaders who teach that God burns people in hell, are portraying Him as a monster. The Bible doesn't support this doctrine.
by ConservativelyLiberal on November 5th, 2008
I don't fear things that don't exist. You should see some of my rants. I'm quite proud of some of them.
by songofjoy on November 5th, 2008
I stole this answer from the internet. As a christian I have never feared God in the sense you put it, rather I reverence, honor, respect and love Him.
We see in the Scriptures a clear command to “Fear God” in verses like 1Peter 2:17; Matthew 10:28; and Revelation 14:7. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:17 that we are to, “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” The word “fear” in the Greek is “phobos” and means a reverence for God as a controlling motive of life. In this context, Christians then and today are to reverence the Lord; as well as highly esteem all people; the brotherhood; and those placed in authority. All three verses have as their theme a clear command to Fear God
by Bowen on November 5th, 2008
Yes, I realized that. That is part of my reason for being an atheist.
by itinary on November 10th, 2010
"Fear of God" is largely misinterpreted. God Businessmen in organized religions very well used this. In Christianity and Islam they keep their poor clan together by using this fear.
Once we can accept the fact the God is omnipotent and omnipresent and it is personal to everyone, we can pretty much reject all these mid agents and bankrupt their business.
Think about the cost of maintaining a mid agent like pope is 14 million dollars a year. For the people to get guidance to love a prophet like Jesus Christ who lived his life in poverty.
Why do we need agents like thiws living in luxury for understanding the love of a poor carpenter?
by SABOTEUR on February 5th, 2009
Some people understand the intent behind the words.
Some people take things quite literally.
Some people worry themselves sick because
some other people don't understand.
Don't obsess on what some people believe.
Live YOUR belief.
Don't allow some people to impose their beliefs on you.
And, don't impose YOUR belief on others.
(Just a suggestion.)
by Designer4theking...loves her kitties on November 15th, 2008
The meaning of fear translated in the Hebrew means: "Reverence and Respect". That is where the real definition comes from. Romans . The scriptures for the old test. were derived from the Hebrew language and the New test. Is from the Greek. I have husband as a biblical teacher so we study this alot.
by Mephistopheles on November 6th, 2008
No kidding! It cracks me up when they say "he/she is a god-fearing man/woman" (as if that was actually a good or virtuous thing) and inmediately thereafter they tell you that god is loving and merciful. WTF? If he's so loving and merciful, why would anybody fear him then?
by angelsdragoon on November 5th, 2008
God has gave man free will.
But he has also letthings happen to man. Read about Sodom and Gomorrah. What about Noah?
And last but not least what about Job?
Reda the book of Job!
by Cantras on November 5th, 2008
Oxford English dictionary online.
6. To regard with reverence and awe; to revere. Now only with God as obj.; formerly in wider sense.
a1400 Prymer (1891) 101 Gretly is thi word fyred. 1526 TINDALE Eph. v. 33 Lett the wyfe see that she feare her husbande. 1593 SHAKES. Rich. II, II. i. 52 This..Wombe of Royall Kings, Fear'd by their breed. 1611 BIBLE Ps. ciii. 13 The Lord pitieth them that feare him. 1715 DE FOE Fam. Instruct. I. i. (1841) I. 10 If you fear God..as your father. 1827 POLLOK Course T. IV. 135 Who..feared nought but God.
by Amy on February 5th, 2009
Beloved, you are misunderstanding what it means to "fear" God.
Fear of God is described as a treasure (Proverbs 15:16, Isaiah 33:6), a fountain of life, a spring of living water (Proverbs 14:27), wisdom (Job 28:28, Psalms 111:10) and life itself (Proverbs 19:23). A life with it is a good (Ecclesiastes 8:12-13), full and serene life, with no nasty surprises (Proverbs 19:23) True happiness, in part, is derived from it (Psalms 128:1,2; Proverbs 28:14). A simple life with it is better than a rich life with a ton of headaches (Proverbs 15:16). It builds up confidence and makes a world safe for our children (Proverbs 14:26). It deflects evil (Proverbs 16:16). It expands and adds years to our life and lengthens our days (Proverbs 10:27). And when we have it, we no longer have to fear what others fear or take on their worries--or fear man (Isaiah 8:12-13).. But what does it mean to "fear" God?
"The Bible repeatedly tells us to fear God: 'Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him' (Psalm 33:8)," says Billy Graham. "But what does it mean by 'fear'? We usually fear something (such as a vicious dog or a violent storm) when we expect it to harm us. In other words, we fear something that has no concern for us, and is a source of constant danger to us.
"But that isn't what God is like! God created us, and He also loves us—and the proof is that He sent His only Son into the world to die for our sins. Would He have done this if He hated us? No, of course not. The Bible says, 'This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins' (1 John 4:10). Stop right now and thank God for loving you and sending His Son to die for you.
"To fear God is not to shrink back from Him in terror. To fear God is to have a deep reverence for Him, and to stand in awe at His holiness and majesty and power and love. Only then will we love and serve and worship Him as we should."
Fearing God is described in the Bible as living in God's presence/standing before Him in deep, joyful, holy, solemn reverence, respect, worship and (trembling) awe. (Hebrews 12:9, 28, Joshua 4:24, Psalms 2:11, Psalm 86:11).
Motives to fear God include his holiness (Revelation 15:4), greatness (Deuteronomy 10:12,17), goodness (1 Samuel 12:24), forgiveness (Psalms 130:4), wondrous works (Joshua 4:23-24) and judgments (Revelation 14:7).
Fear of God is necessary to worshipping (Psalms 5:7, Psalms 89:7) and serving Him (Psalms 2:11; Hebrews 12:28), avoiding sin (exodus 20:20), governing fairly and well (2 Samuel 23:3), administrating justice impartially and honestly (2 Chronicles 19:6-9), making a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us (both within and without) and making our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God (2 Corinthians 7:1).
Those who fear God bring pleasure to Him (Psalms 147:11). He feels for them as parents feel for their children (2 Corinthians 7:1), opens His door to them (Acts 10:35), loves them--a love that is eternally present (Psalm 103:--) and as strong as the heaven are high above the earth (Psalms 103:11) blesses them (Psalms 112:1, Psalms 115:13) and He fulfills their desires (Psalm 145:19).
Fear of God is exemplified in Abraham (Genesis 22:12), Joseph (Genesis 39:9, Genesis 42:18), Obadiah (1 Kings 18:12), Nehemiah (Nehemiah 5:15), Job (Job 1:1, 8) Cornelius (Acts 10:2), and Noah (Hebrews 11:7). These men were described as reverently and fearlessly fearing God, venerating Him, living worshipfully before Him and being totally devoted to Him--even from their youth.
Pray now for God to develop in you that reverence, respect and awe of Him that is such a blessing to both Him and you as David did in Psalm 86:11. David said to God: "put me together, one heart and mind; then, undivided, I'll worship in joyful fear."
"Soak yourself in the Fear-of-God." (Proverbs 23:17) Soon. "you will learn to live in deep reverence before God, your God, as long as you live"--"all day long" (Deuteronomy 14:23, Joshua 4:24, Proverbs 23:17).
by Hattori Hanzo on December 10th, 2008
i realize that when someone tells me to fear God, they know nothing of God
by CaptainHarley adores his life penguin on November 6th, 2008
A better translation of the original Aramaic and Greek would be "reverential awe."
by Mary Evans is not mad on November 5th, 2008
Well, the word fear had many dfferent meanings when the Bible was written. Just like the word wine. The word wine meant grape juice. It could have been alcohal or just the juice. So really to understand the Bible, you have to get an older ditionary.
by kakskee on December 10th, 2008
God is dangerous if creation is supposed to be believed. What could happen next on this planet? Earthquake..rising ocean levels..forest fires..volcanoes..another pandemic bug..tsunamis..hurricane..etc. Perfection.. Baloney!
by Anonymous on February 10th, 2009
There not telling you in that since and no you can't force religion on people God gives people a willing mind God created all of us to worship him satan has stepped in and blinded some peoples mind we will all see when judgement day comes
A question for Christians: If God is all-loving, then why would he create mankind to be inherently sinful in nature?
by mumpsimus on January 23rd, 2012
| 5 people like this
If God is merciful and forgives us of our sins, then what incentive is there for us to resist sin, so long as we repent afterwards?
by mumpsimus on January 24th, 2012
| 6 people like this
Why do people believe that if God exists, then he has to be good instead of evil? Or why can't be be both? Or maybe Satan is the good one?
by msminnamouse on January 23rd, 2012
| 3 people like this
Agree or disagree - Those who look at the universe as it is will clearly see the hand of God.?
by anil m on January 23rd, 2012
| 5 people like this
I like to thank God for _______________ ?
by anil m on January 23rd, 2012
| 5 people like this
You're reading Do you realize that when people tell you to fear God, they are really saying that God is dangerous, something or someone that is likely to cause pain or is a threat? If you don't believe me, look up the definition of fear.
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Comments
Fear and love are complete opposites.
by Don Gorgeous George on November 5th, 2008
I disagree.
When a child has a father who is both loving and firm,...
,...isn't it reasonable to fear displeasing or disappointing him?
There may be a punishment involved, but many times knowing that we hurt someone we love is what we fear most.
by PonderAppreciatively on November 5th, 2008
If I fear you, that is a form of respect, respect for my personal well being, not for you. If love you, it is out of respect and appreciation of you from myself, not because I fear what you might do to me if I choose do something you wouldn't like. God doesn't exist, and even if he did, why would he allow himself or anyone to get hurt? Please don't talk about freewill if you decide to respond. That I've heard too many times.
by Don Gorgeous George on November 5th, 2008
I personally am 'God Fearing'.
I'm commenting on what it means to me. I'm explaining MY perception of God.
For example:
If I know some unflattering information about someone, 'fear of God' prevents me from gossiping about it.
Why?
He's not going to 'burn me'.
(As I mentioned, I don't believe in hell as a place of torment.)
But he would be disappointed if I did something unkind to another.
It is this 'fear of displeasing' Him that makes me 'God Fearing'.
by PonderAppreciatively on November 5th, 2008
I understand your drive to be the best human being that you can be, but I really don't understand why you believe in a God who we need to please, assuming that's the type you are. I do believe in a spirit of man's best interests, but not an external being called God of the christian bible. It's good that you don't really fear Him, because many people use that fear element disguised as hope to attract as many people as possible to their hidden greedy purposes.
by Don Gorgeous George on November 5th, 2008
I understand your point.
I get the sense that you don't believe in God, and no doubt you can tell that I do.
I feel a little sick inside when I hear religious people talk about God 'burning people in hell'.
It's not true. It's not even biblical.
And how can you feel 'drawn' to someone who you believe is perfectly willing to torture you for all eternity?
Thanks for your question!
: )
by PonderAppreciatively on November 5th, 2008