Student Connect

From time to time, we hear someone say, “I love God, but I don’t fear Him.” It sounds sincere, even passionate. But it also reveals a deeper issue—one that’s worth unpacking.

You see, in our modern understanding, “fear” often carries a negative tone—as if God were someone to run from, not run to. So when someone says they don’t fear Him, they usually mean, “I see God as loving, not frightening.” And that’s true—God is love. He is kind, gracious, merciful beyond measure. But that’s not the full picture.

In Scripture, the “fear of the Lord” isn’t about being terrified of God; it’s about reverence. Awe. A deep awareness of His holiness and power. It’s the recognition that He is not just our Friend, but also our Creator, King, and Judge.

Think about it: You can love a good father dearly and still respect his authority. In fact, that respect is part of love. In the same way, loving God and fearing Him aren’t opposites—they complete each other.

Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” And Jesus Himself reminded us to fear—not people—but God, who holds ultimate authority over life and eternity (Matthew 10:28). That fear isn’t meant to push us away; it invites us into humility, obedience, and a deeper trust in His will.

So next time you hear or feel that phrase—“I love God, but I don’t fear Him”—let it be a moment to reflect: Do I truly honour who God is? Do I love Him as Saviour but forget He is also Sovereign?

Let’s embrace both: a love that is intimate, and a fear that is reverent. Because the God who draws near is also the God who reigns above.