Q&A Home > J > Judgment / Judgment Day

If God is merciful, why should we fear judgment? Aren’t we in the end relying upon His mercy? I'm not questioning the Orthodox Doctrine of Faith and works; however, I feel my works are nothing in front of God. What do you think?

Of course we rely on God's mercy as we say in the Divine Liturgy, "according to your mercy O Lord and not according to our sins."

I think the focus of works and service is "love" for the Lord. Not fear or insecurity certainly. Love overcomes all obstacles or uncertainties in service.

Love was the impetus for Daniel's service when he prayed for himself and the people (Daniel 9). Love was what made Nehemiah zealous to build the gates of Jerusalem, saying, "Let us build the gates of Jerusalem and not be a reproach" (Nehemiah 2:17). Our Lord Jesus Christ wept for His own people who did not accept Him.

We can read within St. Paul's Holy Letters about his service of tears. "Watch and remember that by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn everyone, night and day with tears" (Acts 20:31).

As you can see if we focus our service on love, we will not lose sight of the goal of service, which is the Lord.. Our opinion and others’ opinions of our service, and the degree of service is not the objective.

Our LOVE for THE ONE WHOM WE TRULY SERVE is the stimulus to service.