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The Bible certainly tells us not to fear a lot but it also says

Matthew 10:28

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,

But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

Fear God and keep His commandments,

For this is man's all.

Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,

And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Isaiah 66:2

For all those things My hand has made,

And all those things exist,"

Says the LORD.

"But on this one will I look:

On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,

And who trembles at My word.

GrumpyGardener 1y ago

It's funny that you would use these verses. The phrase "Fear God" does not mean "to be afraid" . It means to revere God and to put all faith in him.

In fact 1 John 4 16-18 tells us explicitly what I'm telling you now.

16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Again, fear of consequence is not discipleship which is why, though the consequences of sin are true, the focus of teaching should be considered in love and faith.

We just need to be careful how we teach and be sure that we're teaching in the Lord's pattern. When we teach, we represent him. The only times that Christ was critical was when calling out false teachers such as the Pharisees. He did so precisely because,

although they knew the words, they missed the spirit.

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Discussion

Willy Cooper 1y ago

Warning someone of hell is loving. If you are a sinner and don't fear God that is a huge problem.

Willy Cooper 1y ago

* meaning if you are not saved and don't fear God