In a world that celebrates self-rule and personal truth, Scripture calls us back to something deeper: reverence for the God who made us, knows us, and invites us into His peace.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”
—Romans 1:18 (NKJV)
“Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.”
—Psalm 33:8 (ESV)
Awe Begins with Who God Is
We were created to recognize that God is great, good, and worthy of honor. To stand in awe of God means to respond to Him with reverence, wonder, and humility. If people can admire human greatness, how much more should we honor the One who created us, cares for us, and holds all things together?
What It Means to Suppress the Truth
Romans 1:18 uses the phrase “suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” In simple terms, this means people deliberately push away what they know is true about God and right and wrong. Instead of receiving the truth, they ignore it, distort it, or resist it so they can live on their own terms without accountability.
In Romans, Paul explains that all people need the righteousness that comes from God. He begins by showing that humanity is guilty before God and in need of the gospel. According to Romans 1:19–20, God has made Himself known through creation—His power, His divine nature, and His invisible qualities can be seen in what He has made. That means no one can claim complete ignorance. People are accountable to God as their Creator, yet many still refuse to honor Him as they should.
When Sin Works Against Peace
When people refuse to honor God, the Bible calls that sin—not merely because a rule has been broken, but because life is being lived against the grain of God’s design. God created the world for peace, wholeness, and right relationships. Scripture often describes that kind of flourishing with the word shalom. Sin tears at that peace. It damages our relationship with God, disrupts our relationships with others, and leaves disorder within our own hearts. In that sense, godlessness is anti-shalom.
Why Human Dignity Matters to God
Sin does not only dishonor God in the abstract; it also wounds what He has lovingly made. This is why sins like racism and sexism are so grievous. They strike at human dignity and, in doing so, they insult the God whose image every person bears. The Lord delights in the beauty and variety of the human family. To despise people He has made is to dishonor the wisdom and goodness of the Maker Himself.
The Danger of Pride
At the heart of this struggle is human pride. We want the freedom to define good and evil for ourselves, but Scripture reminds us that truth does not bend to our preferences. God is not a voice among many; He is the Holy One who defines what is good, true, and life-giving. When we refuse His authority, our hearts grow restless, our thinking grows dim, and our lives drift further from the peace He intends.
A Call to Return
The good news is that God exposes our sin in order to lead us home. He calls us to lay down our pride, stop resisting His truth, and return to Him with humble hearts. To stand in awe of God is not to shrink back in fear, but to bow before His greatness, trust His mercy, and receive the peace only He can give. When we honor God as God, we learn to love people as He does, walk in repentance, and live in the beauty of His shalom. May our hearts not suppress the truth, but surrender to it—and in that surrender, find life.
Closing Prayer
Lord, forgive us for the ways we have resisted Your truth and lived as though we belonged to ourselves. Teach us to stand in awe of You with humble hearts. Restore what sin has damaged in us, renew our love for others, and lead us into the peace of Your presence. Amen.
Reflection Question
Where in my life am I tempted to resist God’s truth instead of surrendering to His wisdom and peace?
Minister A Francine Green I May 2026