Question: What is the truth about fear?

    Answer: Jesus' words constitute truth (Jn. 8: 31, 32, 40). In fact, Jesus is "the way, the truth" and "the life" (Jn. 14: 6). Moreover, the words of Jesus are "spirit and life" (Jn. 6: 63). Jesus' word will judge us on the Last Day (Jn. 12: 48).

    The meaning of fear. One common Greek noun translated fear is phobos. Mr. Vine comments thus on phobos: "First had the meaning of flight…then, that which may cause flight." Vine defines phobos with such words as "dread, terror…" (Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words).

    The bad meaning of fear. Fear is debilitating. The one talent man failed to multiply because "And I was afraid" (Matt. 25: 25). Fear when not correctly channeled often produces the very thing that is feared (Ibid.). John wrote as follows regarding fear: "…because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love" (I Jn. 4: 18). Paul told Timothy, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Tim. 1: 7).

    The good use of fear. The wise man wrote of fear positively, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Prov. 1: 7). The purpose of man is, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole of man" (Eccl. 12: 13). The writer of Hebrews penned, "Wherefore we receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12: 28, 29).

    In review, the Bible uses fear both positively and negatively. We must never be afraid to do what is right (Matt. 10: 28). Fear can be a powerful motivator, initially (Acts 10: 34, 35). In time, though, love will become the dominant means of actuating the Christian to submit to God's teaching (I Jn. 4: 17, 18, Gal. 5: 6).