We often read about the "fear of God". Many people dislike the word “fear”, because they associate it with anxiety and distress. It is a word which, they feel, has a threatening tone.
But the Biblical word “fear” evokes the meaning of “awe” more than it refers to anxiety. Spirituality often reflects on God as the One who initiates our transformation, who is powerful and strong to change us and who guides us powerfully, through the Spirit, in this process of transformation. It is all about Power, the Spirit, tongues of fire.
Spirituality therefore speaks of the touch of God which changes our lives irrevocably. It is an awesome touch. It consumes evil like fire a piece of paper. It restores us to new life. We stand in awe before the powerful work of God in our lives and in world.
If we stand in awe before God, it brings about feelings of respect and love in us. As awesome as the touch it, so gentle is it as well. And awe brings admiration and worship. We do not cringe before a God for whom we are afraid. We do not worship fearfully. We participate in adoration. Our spiritual journey is filled with trust and love for a God before whom we stand in awe and who is a God who changes everything. We celebrate the divine initiative and power. God is almighty, strong, powerful. That is why we trust and love God. And when we love God, we do not act like servants. We heed the divine commandments because we experience awe, respect and love. God, the Powerful one, is the one who grants the power to us, so that we can become lovers of God, so that we can become friends of God. We are truly privileged to be granted this gift. And for that we, once again, and, mystically, stand in awe.
Fear if God can never be without love of God.
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