Fear of the Lord is a gift of the Holy Spirit that helps to build a proper relationship with God.
Unlike fear of hell or God’s eternal punishment which comes focusing on ourselves, a healthy fear of the Lord comes from loving God and not wanting to lose his blessings.
This gift allows us to recognize who God is and that we are dependent on Him. This fear leads to adoration and reverence for God and all of his creation.
God should be the center of our lives and drive all of our thoughts and actions.
Fear of the Lord is in understanding that only the greatness and goodness of God can provide the peace that we look for and we can never obtain that peace without Him in our lives.
Fear God but don’t be afraid of Him:
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation.”
Luke 1: 47-50
Being more sensitive to the presence of God:
Avoiding what would hurt God:
God makes Himself known by recalling his all-powerful loving, and liberating action in the history of the one He addresses: “I brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” The first word contains the first commandment of the Law: “You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him…. You shall not go after other gods.” God’s first call and just demand is that man accept Him and worship Him.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 2084
Overwhelmed and in awe of God:
Recognizing how great God is:
This attitude of faith leads man to recognize the power of God operating in history, and thus to open himself to fear of the name of the Lord. In biblical language, in fact, this “fear” does not coincide with dread, but is the recognition of the mystery of the divine transcendence. Because of this, it is the basis of faith and is joined with love: “the Lord your God requires of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul”. As St Hilary of Poitiers, a fourth-century Bishop, said: “All our fear is in love”.
Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, May 11, 2005
Holding yourself to a higher standard:
Reminding us that one day we will be held accountable:
The Truth, Goodness, and Beauty of the Catholic Church
Trusting in Jesus:
Share this page with friends and family to start a conversation about your faith.
Don’t miss a post. Learn more about the Catholic Church and strengthen your Catholic faith.
Find more Fiercely Catholic video issues here.
Subscribe here.
