The concept of dealing with "Fear of God" has intrigued me. Many Christians point out all the references to "Do not fear", and re-define the commands to "Fear God" to mean "Respect" or "Awe." In Rejoice & Tremble: the Surprising Good News of the Fear of the Lord, author Michael Reeves deals with the subject.
Biblically, we see fear as something we're commanded to do (and particularly to fear God) and something we're commanded not to do. Same word is used in both cases. Reeves, however, states Christians not actively living in sin should have a filial fear towards God but not be afraid of God. He believes the alternate words "respect" and "awe" are included in how we should respond to God, but fall short of the full meaning implied.
This is a challenging topic. I've debated writing a blog on it, and doubt I can do it justice. Reeves makes a lot of good points, but for me, the book was strongest in the first half and was more boring as I progressed. It is still worth the read, but it also calls for thought while reading.
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