How does understanding the difference between fearing people and fearing God impact your faith and daily life?
When we place our fear in God rather than in people, it shifts our perspective to eternal matters, empowering us to live boldly in faith. Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:28 remind us to prioritize our spiritual well-being, understanding that human threats cannot impact our soul. This mindset offers freedom from earthly anxieties, helping us embrace God’s sovereignty over our lives.
In life, it’s easy to find ourselves overwhelmed by fear—whether it’s about our safety, our future, or the opinions of others. But in Matthew 10:28, Jesus tells us, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” This powerful statement invites us to shift our focus from earthly fears to a reverent awareness of God’s power and authority. How can this verse change the way we approach challenges, stress, or even threats we face?
How does this perspective of fearing God, rather than people, help you stay grounded in faith during tough times? How has this understanding given you strength or changed the way you view what truly matters? Looking forward to your insights!
I don’t fear God in the slightest. I have no reason to fear God. I believe the proper understanding of “fear” is “respect.” I likewise don’t fear people because I trust God. I don’t feel the need for a cache of guns, an elaborate security system or any of the other trappings of fear.
To me, terms like “fear” and our best deeds being “filthy rags,” while “biblical,” are more likely to produce mental problems tnan faith.
Understanding the distinction between fearing people and fearing God has deeply transformed my faith and daily life. We live in a society where opinions can feel overwhelming sometimes. (Matthew 10:28) reminds me to focus on God’s external power rather than earthly affairs.
Jesus’ words liberate me from the anxiety of seeking approval or worrying about judgment. (Proverbs 29:25) reinforces that “Fear of man will prove to be a snare,” helping me place my trust in God instead. This doesn’t mean I disregard people entirely, but rather I place God’s authority above them. He is the One who holds the ultimate power over my soul.
When Jesus says, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul,” He invites us to shift our focus from the temporal to the eternal.
This shift empowers me to live authentically, just as Daniel did in the lion’s den. His unwavering commitment to God, despite immense pressure, inspires me to prioritize my faith above societal expectations. During challenging moments, (Psalm 40:2) reassures me that God is my anchor, lifting me from despair and giving me strength.
This has instilled in me a courage to face challenges with grace, knowing that my identity and security rest firmly in His hands. This perspective continues to guide my faith journey, reinforcing that God’s plans for me surpass any earthly threat.
You carefully dodged the “fear” of God issue. How does “fear” of God relate to “not fearing” people because one trusts God? Why would a believer “fear” God?
Yes, but you’re repeating back to me exactly what I said. My question is how those who interpret “fear” to mean fear reconcile this with their notions of God. Fear made sense in a Jewish context, not so much in a Christian one.
While I’m at it, I’ll add that I think the “filthy rags” verse that people love means “your best deeds don’t approach God’s standard of perfect holiness,” NOT “your best deeds make God puke.” In my brand of faith we (or at least I) don’t feel obligated to beat ourselves over the head with how awful we are. I happen to think God is rather pleased with me, which makes two of us.
