No Fear in Love?

     There is no fear in love; perfect love casts out fear...fear involves torment. He who fears has not been make perfect in love.  

     Question: Is it possible to love God and fear Him at the same time?

     In Deuteronomy 10:12, Now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him...with all your heart and soul? Our source says, "The mingling of love and fear captures our response to two attributes of God: mercy and judgment." 

     Paul wrote: Consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.  

     His mercy endures forever (Psalm 118:4). Addressing God himself, You are to be feared, and who may stand in your presence when once you are angry? (Psalm 76:7).

     There is a God to love and to fear. He judged his own Son. And He raised him from the dead. 

     Consider our fallen world. Those without fear of God, be they criminals or presidents and governors, and everyone in between, will normally follow their own inclinations. 

     King David: ...concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God... (Psalm 36:1).

Tomorrow: Gentle Jesus?