Embracing a Fearless Faith

Is it possible to grow weary of the question, 'How can anyone not fear God?' Yet, with every query, we find ourselves in a deeper exploration of the human condition and our relationship with the divine. Much like our grandpas teaching us to stand firm against bullies, it's essential to address this inquiry with wisdom and understanding.

Countering a Folly: Ignoring Bullies and God

Grandpa's Wisdom: My grandfather's guidance—'Just ignore the bullies, God—they’re only jealous and sad,'—holds a profound lesson for us all. When faced with so-called 'God', we should do the same. Just as bullies lose interest when ignored, God may lose His relevance if we do not respond out of fear. Instead, let us take God's message seriously and believe in it wholeheartedly. This isn't about fear, but about respectful concern, akin to a parent guiding a child with love and discipline.

A Blessing of Mercy

In the words of Hebrews and Luke, we are reminded of the consequences of not fearing God. Hebrews 10:31 states, 'It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.' Luke 13:28–29 forewarns, 'There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and yourselves thrust out. They will come from the east and the west from the north and the south and sit down in the kingdom of God.'

These verses serve as a stark reminder that failing to fear God can lead to significant consequences in the afterlife. True fear is an acknowledgment of the divine, not an expression of terror, but a reverent understanding that actions have eternal consequences. As Paul wrote in Philippians 2:12, 'Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—though not in my presence—now make every effort to obey for Christ’s sake, with a view to bringing glory to God.'

Defining the Godly Fear

How can we fear Thor, Atlas, Jupiter, Diana, or Saturn, when they are mere constructs of human imagination? These gods are nothing more than projecting humans’ wishes, aspirations, and fantasies onto the divine.

The individuals who do not fear God often see Him as a loving figure, a merciful and unconditionally loving parent. Just as our earthly parents love us unconditionally, so too does God love His children. This understanding, however, does not negate the need for reverence and respect. True faith is not about fear, but about love, respect, and obedience. It's about aspiring to be like Jesus, learning from His teachings, and striving to emulate His virtues.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us to come to Him and find rest for our souls. This invitation is not rooted in fear, but in the love and mercy of God. By seeking God, we find peace and understand His unyielding love for us. As His children, we should trust in His mercy and seek to follow His example.

Conclusion: Choosing a Fearful Faith

Let us not fear God out of obligation or fear of punishment, but rather out of a desire for His love and mercy. Let our faith be a love that knows no bounds, embracing the divine with reverence and gratitude. As we grow in our understanding of God, may we also grow in our faith, loving Him not because He terrifies us, but because He loves us unconditionally.