What does "fear your God" imply about our attitude towards others? Rooted Phrase, Real-Life Impact “Fear your God” is woven through commands that govern how we treat people. In each case, the awe we owe the Lord is meant to overflow into concrete, everyday kindness. Key Texts Where the Phrase Appears • Leviticus 19:14 – “You must not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you are to fear your God. I am the LORD.” • Leviticus 25:17 – “You are not to take advantage of each other, but fear your God; for I am the LORD your God.” • Leviticus 25:36 – “Do not collect interest or increase from him, but fear your God, so that your brother can continue to live among you.” • Leviticus 25:43 – “You are not to rule over them harshly, but fear your God.” What “Fear Your God” Means • Reverence for God’s holiness: We recognize His absolute authority and purity. • Conscious accountability: Every action toward others is done before His watchful eye. • Love-motivated obedience: Fearing God keeps love genuine, not sentimental; it is anchored in loyalty to His commands. Attitude Shaped by God-Fear • Dignity for the vulnerable – Never ridicule or exploit physical limitations (Leviticus 19:14). • Fair dealings – No cheating, overcharging, or interest-gouging (Leviticus 25:36). • Gentle leadership – Authority must not become harshness (Leviticus 25:43). • Mutual respect – “Treat everyone with high regard… fear God” (1 Peter 2:17). • Willing submission – “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21). • Compassion that mirrors God – He “executes justice for the fatherless and widow” (Deuteronomy 10:18-19); fearing Him means sharing His heart. Supporting Insights from Wisdom Literature • Psalm 128:1 – “Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways.” – The fear of God is inseparable from a lifestyle of kindness. • Proverbs 14:31 – “Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him.” – Mistreating others is ultimately an affront to God Himself. Practical Expressions Today • Speak with care, avoiding sarcasm or mockery of weaknesses. • Conduct business transparently—fair pricing, honest contracts, prompt payment. • Lead family, employees, or volunteers with patience, not intimidation. • Advocate for those who cannot defend themselves, reflecting God’s justice. • Practice hospitality toward immigrants and outsiders, remembering God’s love for the foreigner (Deuteronomy 10:18-19). Consequences of Forgetting God-Fear • Exploitation becomes easy, consciences dull, and society hardens. • Divine displeasure replaces blessing (cf. Malachi 3:5). • Our witness is distorted; the world cannot see the character of Christ in us. Summary To “fear your God” is to live every horizontal relationship in the light of His glorious presence. Reverence for Him compels respect, fairness, and sacrificial love for others, making our daily conduct a living testimony to the God we revere. |
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