God is not out to get you

The Fear of God.

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A lot of Christians are afraid of God in the wrong way, because he Old Testament uses two different terms for 'fear God'.

One is used for God’s people. The other is used for his God’s enemies. 

When the term ‘fear God’ is used about his people, it means: awe, respect, reverence and worship.

But when it refers to God’s enemies, it means: dread, fear, panic, terror.

It’s used in 2 Chronicles 17:10: ‘The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah.’

Many Christians confuse the two - and have a distorted view of God as a result. 

Jesus came to reveal him as Abba, Father, who loves us, and only disciplines us as part of that loving relationship (Hebrews 12:6).

Don’t ever believe God wants to harm you or make you afraid. It’s against his character. His perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).

Cleland Thom

Cleland helps to lead Freedom House, a prayer ministry based in the UK.