We should look to God as the highest example of Love.

For if not God, who?

The highest example of love is pure or divine love.

It is a love without conditions, judgement or expectations.

It is love without fear (ultimately, we either choose love or fear).

Yet, in many of the sacred beliefs, the term 'God-fearing' is regarded as a humble virtue.

Which begs the question - why do we need to fear God who is loving, forgiving, understanding and the epitome of pure love?

Conversely, will not fearing God actually make a difference towards a more harmonious human existence?

Many who believe in fearing God have said that it's not so much about being afraid, but demonstrating an overwhelming sense of awe and reverence for God's power.

Then why not call it awe or reverence, instead of fear?

This led me to recall our family's cruise experience in December 2023...

We were in the middle of the ocean for 6 days.

I remember looking out into an endless horizon in 'awe' of the ocean's magnitude but also feeling the dread that its might can easily swallow us up.

This of course serves as a warning - stay on the ship. Stand far from the edge.

Hence, this 'fear' can actually be practical.

But here is where the distinction lies...

Do you fear God because of the natural consequences,

Or do you fear God because you will be punished for your sins?

Now, what the bible presents to us is clear.

It is so literal that you don't need to read between the lines:

Nahum 1:2
God is jealous, and the LORD avenges;
The LORD avenges and is furious.
The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries,
And He reserves wrath for His enemies;

Nahum 1:5-6
And the earth heaves at His presence,
Yes, the world and all who dwell in it.
Who can stand before His indignation?
And who can endure the fierceness of His anger?
His fury is poured out like fire,
And the rocks are thrown down by Him.

Isaiah 13:11
I will punish the world for its evil,
And the wicked for their iniquity;
I will halt the arrogance of the proud,
And will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

This fear of God shows that suffering is actually imposed by God. 

This fear of God is linked to God's wrath.

By definition, being under someone's wrath suggests that the person is in a situation where they are facing the dire consequences of the other person's anger or displeasure, and they may be dealing with harsh criticism, punishment, or other forms of negative reactions.

Human beings are justifying God's wrath.

We're twisting 'fear' into words like 'awe' and 'reverence' which are entirely different definitions.

We must be careful here - words influence our thoughts, which influence our actions.

It's no surprise we live in a world that is highly motivated by fear - survival mentality.

The problems of our reality are very real as I’m sure you would agree (killing, poverty, etc) and there’s a difference between knowing WHAT the problem is VS questioning and investigating the source of those problems.

This fear-based mentality about God I think, is the core of the problems created in the world today.

It spreads to our homes (eg. fear-based parenting), into our justice systems, etc.

My friends, you simply cannot create love with more fear.

You cannot create peace with more hatred.

Remember, you are an individuation of God. You are an expression of the God within you. You are a wave that is one with the great ocean.

So to fear God is to fear yourself.

Just for a minute, instead of attaching yourself to the external, doctrine teachings of what you have been told, look within and ask what your highest self is telling you.

Feel that - it's peaceful, it's warm, it's gentle.

It is certainly not from a place of fear.

Your highest self knows this: "I have only love for God. I am motivated by God's love for me."

Now...

WHAT IF we had no reason to fear God?

Would it really change anything?

Does it hold any importance?

In the grand scheme of things, would it significantly affect our experience on this planet towards more harmony, less suffering and violence?

I think so.

Absolutely.