Q&A Home > F > Fear

• Fear is a fruit of sin, but is it considered a sin itself? I mean do I commit a sin when I fear?
• How do I fear God? I mean I fear my parents' anger. I fear turning my back on their commands. I fear disappointing their love. But do I fear the nature of God? How can I let go of my grip and ask God, do you still love me even when I am angry toward You?  Please, answer me. I keep reaching out to our fellow leaders. Yes, I ask God. But most of my will is spent on not knowing what to ask, and how to listen. The Word of God burns my bush. 
• I have a number of questions:
  • The film about the life of the Lord Jesus Christ produced in 1965, called "The Greatest Story Ever told" depicts our Lord as backing up in fear when tempted by Satan to let self fall from the mountain. Do you think that had really happened?
  • Is fear an innate component of human nature, or is it something that was externally introduced to our nature through sin?
  • Did our Lord Jesus Christ experience fear during difficult moments the way we do? If fear is not good, why are we asked to fear God?
• The Virginia Tech massacre has had its negative effect on me; robbing me of the sense of purpose in all that I am doing in the course of my life. Studying hard to get into a prestigious school, having aspirations and dreams in the future all seem too stressful for no obvious good reason at all. The thought of having a similar terrible ending like the Virginia Tech victims makes high education, job, money and marriage all seem too trivial; while at the same time raises the question whether it is wrong to be ambitious and to concentrate on my studies. At the moment, serving God in the church while getting a decent job that covers the basic life necessities seems reasonable. Attending Pascha week was very enjoyable; and being constantly with Christ was so stress relieving and satisfying that I did not want it to finish. I feel settling with the minimum education and income are signs of true humility and true Christianity. I appreciate Your Grace's feedback and also any readings on the web related to the matter that Your Grace recommend.
• Why are we taught to fear God? Fear, in my humble opinion does not seem to be the correct term. In 1 Jn 4:18 it says "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." Also St. Anthony states "I no longer fear God, but I love Him, for love casts out fear".