Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

I hear the Psalm, “Blessed are those who fear the Lord” (Psalm 128:1). Am I supposed to fear God?

Robert in Effingham

Multiple Scripture passages speak of “The fear of the Lord.” It is even one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit one receives in confirmation: “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him … a spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:2-3).

So, how can we feel blessed by and delight in a God that we fear? Well, it’s not the “fear” you are thinking of. We almost always give a negative connotation to fear, as if we need to tremble before a God ready to punish us. Instead, the Scriptures say, “The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation,” and it “Rejoices the heart, giving gladness, joy and long life” (Sirach 1:11a,12).

The gladness, joy, and rejoicing that is spoken of in these passages comes for those who have “an appreciation of the greatness and goodness of God and a longing to do what is right in God’s sight.” To have a “holy fear” of God is to be in reverential awe of the power and glory of God and His unmerited love for us.

Now, back to how we commonly define fear. One thing we should fear is offending God through sin and then turning away from His gracious love and mercy. Though we all have struggles and weaknesses, the Holy Spirit is here to help us grow in respect and love for God so we can turn away from sin.

Jesus has made it possible to overcome fear through His unending love. Filled by God's mercy and love, we can truly overcome all fear. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, so one who fears is not yet perfect in love” (1 John 4:18-19).

“The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord” (Sirach 1:14).

May we seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit to help us grow in understanding these Scripture passages that speak beautifully about growing in reverence and awe (fear) for such a loving God.

Father Dan Willenborg is pastor at Holy Family in Litchfield and St. Agnes in Hillsboro.

I hear the Psalm, “Blessed are those who fear the Lord” (Psalm 128:1). Am I supposed to fear God?

Robert in Effingham

Multiple Scripture passages speak of “The fear of the Lord.” It is even one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit one receives in confirmation: “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him … a spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:2-3).

So, how can we feel blessed by and delight in a God that we fear? Well, it’s not the “fear” you are thinking of. We almost always give a negative connotation to fear as if we need to tremble before a God ready to punish us. Instead, Scriptures say, “The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation,” and it “Rejoices heart giving gladness joy long life” (Sirach 1:11a12).

The gladness joy rejoicing spoken these passages comes those who have appreciation greatness goodness longing what right sight.” To have holy reverential awe power glory unmerited love.

Now back commonly define One thing should offending sin turning away gracious Though struggles weaknesses here help grow respect turn away

Jesus made possible overcome through unending Filled mercy truly There no perfect drives because punishment yet perfect

beginning wisdom May seek understanding beautifully gift blessing grow reverence awe loving

Father Dan Willenborg pastor Family Litchfield Agnes Hillsboro

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