From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: I read a lot of books and many Christian authors write about the fact that we should not be fearful. I know the Bible says over and over again, “Fear not,” but it also says to “fear God.” Isn’t this a contradiction?
A: The Bible certainly does not contradict itself. There can be many different meanings to one word. In the case of the word “fear” it can mean “to be afraid, have a feeling of terror,” etc. But there is also a wonderful definition to this word and that is “to have reverence or respect” for something or someone. There are, of course, different kinds of fear. Not all fear is wrong. It is right for a child to fear a hot stove or a sharp knife, because those can harm the child. It is right for us also to fear sin and Satan, for they can bring devastation.
The Bible indeed does tell us to fear God. That doesn’t mean that we’re to be in terror or Him, shrinking from Him and even fleeing from Him—although we should fear His judgment—but it does mean we are to have a reverence and respect for Him, knowing that He is holy and all powerful.
This can be a wonderful word study using Scripture. When we hear preachers or others talk about things of God, it pleases the Lord when it drives us to His Word. He Himself will teach us the truth about all things.
Think of the fears that so easily grip us, even keep us enslaved. There is the fear of problems we face and what might happen to us. Jesus declared, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Christ has come to take away the source of our fears. Fears are real. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives. … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
Q: I am a very emotional person, but my husband is stoic and seldom can I know what he is thinking. In spite of having vastly different personalities, we have been happily married for many years. We have discussed this through the years and debate which way is the best?
A: Emotions in themselves are not wrong or sinful. God wove various personality traits into His created beings and often the differences complement one another. Some are quiet while others are talkative. Some are quick to respond while others are slow to action.
We shouldn’t despise or deny these differences. If we didn’t experience emotions, we couldn’t know God’s peace and joy. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He replied that we should love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:37). These three traits make up the personality, and no people are exactly alike. Our Creator is unique and everything He does is also unique.
It may be surprising to realize that God experiences emotion, but remember that we are all created in His image. This is a staggering thought but true. How empty life would be without emotions!
The psalmist declared, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). This does not refer only to the human body but everything about us—our minds and emotions. Each person is complex and while we may have challenges in understanding one another, God perfectly understands everything about us.
We must admit, though, that our emotions can become twisted and even destructive, leading us to do or say things that are harmful to ourselves and others. We must rely on Christ to fill our minds with the things that please Him and bring glory to Him.
