Reflection: Fear or Love? A Saturday Reflection

So it was a Saturday in May—like every Saturday for the past six months, I was walking to church, headphones in, music playing. My playlist is always a mix of everything—a little chaos, a little comfort.

That morning, something caught my eye. A man ahead wore a t-shirt that read, in bold letters: ESSENTIALS.

And just beneath it: Fear of God. The words stopped me—not physically, but mentally. Fear of God.

Should we fear God? Or love God?

For me, the answer isn’t simple. It’s something I wrestle with often. Over the years—through study, service, and prayer—I’ve realized that fear isn’t about terror. When we are truly in communion with God, fear is transformed. Awe, reverence, and love replace trembling fear.

Part of me wanted to ask that man: “Why? Why fear God?” Perhaps it’s the altar server in me, the theologian in me, or simply me—a person of faith, trying to understand.

Even in church, the question lingered. I prayed silently: “Should we fear You? Or love You?”

And then I noticed it. I see God every day—not as a distant judge, but in the people I meet, the peace I feel, the music I listen to. That morning, Psalm 103 played through my headphones:

"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love."

Maybe this is the “fear” that is essential—not terror, but reverent love. A recognition of God’s vast mercy and compassion that draws us closer rather than pushes us away.

By the time I reached the church, the man had gone, but the thought stayed with me. Fear and love aren’t opposites—they are intertwined. True fear of God humbles, awakens awe, and leads us toward love.

Faith, I realised, is about walking, wondering, loving—and learning to fear in the way that brings us closer to Him.

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Prayer:

Lord, help me to walk in awe of You, to love You fully, and to let reverence guide my heart. Transform my fear into wonder, and my wonder into faithful love. Amen.