Thereâs a difference between fear that isolates us from God and reverence that draws us closer. Scripture tells us that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18) and that God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). And yet, the Word also speaks often about the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). These are not contradictions. There is a fear that comes from punishment and insecurity, and there is a reverence that comes from encounter. When we truly see God in His holiness, awe naturally follows. He is loving and He is holy. He is merciful and He is just. He is our Father and He is King (Luke 12:32; Hebrews 4:16). Reverence doesnât push us away from Him. It deepens our intimacy with Him. It guards our hearts from taking grace lightly and reminds us of the weight of what Jesus accomplished on the cross (Romans 2:4â5). Take a moment to reflect: Do I know God only as loving or also as holy? Has my love for Him been shaped by reverence? There is a deeper teaching video that accompanies this message inside the Classroom. đ Devotionals â October 2024 â The Fear Of The Lord If you want to go further into this conversation, Esther walks through it there.