Fear Of The Lord
Devotions:
Fear of the Lord
The fear of the Lord is not a fear of divine retribution for wrong doing. The judgement seat of Christ is the "Bema seat", a place of divine rewards, not judgements for wrong doing. Our wrong doings were all layed on Jesus.
The fear of the Lord is the fear of offending a dearly beloved, not because of retribution but of bringing pain to the one you greatly love. You cannot have a correct fear of God until you truly understand the love of God for you.
“And Moses said to the people, Fear not; for God has come to prove you, so that the [reverential] fear of Him may be before you, that you may not sin.” Exodus 20:20 AMPC
It is our love for God that keeps us from sinning, not a fear of judgement.
“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3 KJV
“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” Romans 2:4 KJV
“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” Romans 2:4 ESV