God created man to have fellowship with Him. However, we cannot have a relationship with God if we do not fear Him. This is because God hates sin and the fear of God is to depart from evil (Proverbs 3:7). Having the fear of God is a prerequisite to walking with Him. The fear of God doesn’t mean literally being afraid of Him, but being conscious of His presence in everything we do, which in turn brings honor to Him.
The fear of the Lord is having an innate hatred for every appearance of evil. Proverbs 8:13 says: “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech”. As believers we are to detest any form of evil just like our Father does. The fear of God or honor for God, can only come from a knowledge of who He is. As children of God, we must honour God as an ever loving Father who gave up His only son to save us, however, the Bible let’s us know that He is also a consuming fire, and as much as He is merciful, He detests and judges iniquity (Hebrews 12:29). Also, as the fear of God comes from an understanding of who He is, and we are to devote our time to studying and meditating on His Word where the knowledge of Him can be found. When we understand God’s word through study and meditation, our respect for Him is automatic, because of the knowledge of His Person through His word.
The Bible let’s us know that the fear of God is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). As children of God, it is important for us to be deliberate about honoring God in everything we do, as when we honor Him and fear Him, He will also honor us and bless us (1 Samuel 2:30). SHALOM!
CONFESSION
Today, I receive the grace to fear You Lord as I actively seek the knowledge of You in Your Word. I hate every appearance of evil and detest iniquity. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Leave a Reply