Should I fear God or should I not fear God? What am I not understanding?

on Jun 12, 2024

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I think there is more fear in the world today than ever before. Some Bible teachers and preachers often talk about fearing God. Others say we have no reason to fear God because He loves us. Seems very contradictory to me. What am I not understanding? – F.L.

A: The world of Jesus’ day was filled with fear. The Romans feared rebellion and their subjects feared Rome’s power. The Sadducees feared the Pharisees, and both were suspicious of the publicans. The hearts of people everywhere were filled with fear and distrust. Life was precarious, and above all, people feared death.

The world lives with fear even today. Many fear for their health. Many fear that they’ll never be accepted by their peers. People fear life’s burdens that may never come! There are those who fear the future. Most people fear everything except God, who holds our lives in His hands. There is little room for God in our culture today, no reverence for God or faith in His Word (the Bible).

Jesus can put an end to fear for all who trust in Him. “Do not fear, little flock” is a phrase Jesus often used in His preaching (Luke 12:32). When we give God His proper place in our lives, it shows we revere Him – and love Him, because He first loved us. This is why the Bible says that “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18, NKJV). And the love of Jesus is perfect!

For those who belong to Him [His little flock], our prayer to God should be that He will help us draw near to Him and walk in obedience to Him. God alone knows the future, and when we know Christ, we know we can trust our lives and our futures into His hands – both now and for eternity.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)