Understanding The True Meaning Of Fear

Have you ever been afraid? Well, of course, we all have at some point. But did you know there are two types of fear? Let's explore this together.

In Luke 12:5, Jesus tells us to fear the one who has the power to cast into hell. Yet, 2 Timothy 1:7 and 1 John 4:18 tell us that God has not given us a spirit of fear but power, love, and a sound mind. That perfect love casts out fear. Contradictions? Not really.

Fear can mean being terrified, anxious, or dreadfully afraid of something, like snakes or heights. But fear can also mean extreme reverence, awe, or respect for something - like a breathtaking sunset or a powerful storm. God wants us to have this latter type of fear - awe and reverence - for Him.

Ever heard of godly fear? Hebrews 12:28 speaks of it, a fear that guides us to serve God in the right manner. It's different from the ungodly fear - the fear that makes you feel dread or terror. This ungodly fear is a tool Satan uses to torment us, to keep us from living freely and joyfully in God's love. We, as believers, need not live in dread or terror of God unless we plan to abandon our faith in Jesus, our Savior. We have a covenant, a promise, that assures us of God's acceptance (Ephesians 1:6), as long as we maintain our faith in Jesus' redemptive work.

Who have received God's grace (born again), it's His goodness that causes us to fear, to revere Him, and to turn away from sin. It's not a fear that paralyzes us, but one that motivates us, drives us into His loving arms, into a life of joy and purpose. Now isn't that an awesome kind of fear? It sure is, because His goodness is indeed awesome!