Should a believer fear God?translated

In the Holy Scriptures the fear of God is called the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). However, the Apostle John in his conciliar letter states that perfect love casts out fear. How to combine one with the other? Should a Christian fear God or does loving Him free us from fear?

Priest Evgeny MURZIN

editor of the direction "Faith and Church"

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because in fear there is torment.

1 John 4:18

In fact, there is no contradiction here. As we read into the context of the apostolic letter, it becomes clear that John is not talking about the fear of God, as it is understood in Christianity, but about the fear of God’s judgment and punishment, which torments and torments a person. Such fear is often present in religious life. The believer is afraid that God will be angry with him for insufficiently diligent prayer, an incorrect confession, a violation of fasting, or an unwitting mistake. Gradually, the relationship with God turns into a constant check of oneself: did I do everything right, did I sin, did I bring trouble upon myself? The person begins to feel anxious, loses peace, and becomes nervous. The worst thing is that this anxiety is perceived by many as...