Fear

Fear is a compelling emotion. First, one needs to believe there is an existing item to fear. Once this has been established, one should attempt to understand the item that is feared. Some people may fear rattlesnakes since they can be lethal. With some knowledge, great fear can evolve into great respect. Many people say they "fear" God, but God does not desire people to fear Him in this way; He wants the respect He deserves. When people really fear (or are afraid of) God, it is likely because they do not realize how much He loves them. Those who know more about God, recognize He only disciplines people when nothing else has achieved the needed results. He loved us so much he sent Jesus to die a cruel death to provide a way for His children to be near Him forever. "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him," - Psa. 103:13. Remember He loved each of us enough to seal us with His Holy Spirit, "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit," - Eph. 1:13 (NIV). We should use this to realize how much He loves us and wants what is really best for us; this may take a long time to appreciate.