“Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” — Exodus 20:20 ESV
The fear of God does not mean living every day afraid that God is waiting to hurt us. God is not cruel. He is holy, loving, and just. To fear God means to honor Him deeply, respect His power, take His Word seriously, and stay away from sin because we love Him.
Exodus 20:20 helps us understand this balance. Moses said, “Do not fear,” but he also said that the fear of God should be before the people so they would not sin. In simple words, God does not want us to run from Him in terror. He wants us to respect Him so much that we choose what is right.
The Bible says, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). This means our lives should be shaped by reverence for God. We should not treat His commands lightly. His Word guides us, protects us, and teaches us how to live.
The fear of the Lord is also connected to wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” When we honor God first, we begin to see life the right way. We learn that His way is better than our own way.
Jesus also taught us to fear God in the right way. He said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). But right after that, Jesus reminded us that the Father cares for even the sparrows and knows the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:29-30). This shows us that God is mighty, but He is also caring.
A healthy fear of God is like the respect a child has for a loving parent. The child does not want to disobey because the parent’s love matters. In the same way, we obey God not only because He can judge sin, but because He loves us and wants what is best for us.
So, the fear of God is not panic. It is holy respect. It is love with reverence. It is the wisdom to say, “God is holy, His Word is true, and I will follow Him.” When we understand the fear of God this way, it draws us closer to Him and helps us live in a way that pleases Him.
Prayer
Lord, help me to fear You in the right way. Teach me to honor You, respect Your Word, and turn away from sin. Let my heart be filled with reverence, not terror; trust, not confusion; and love, not distance. Help me remember that You are holy, but You are also my loving Father. Guide my steps so that my life will please You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection
Do I see the fear of God as fear that pushes me away from Him, or as holy respect that draws me closer to Him and helps me obey?
Minister A Francine Green, October 2026