"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but have no power to kill the soul. Rather be afraid of HIM who can destroy both body and soul in hell. For only a few cents you can buy two sparrows, yet not one sparrow falls to the ground without your FATHER's consent. As for you, every hair of your head has been counted. So do not be afraid: you are worth much more than many sparrows." - Matthew 10:28-31
(We are cowards and JESUS is aware of this. HE has already said, "Do not fear," when HE invited us not to look for security in money. Now, dealing with the fear of repression, HE adds, "If you cannot free yourselves from cowardice, consider where the greater threat comes from, GOD or people?
This is the only time JESUS refers to "fear of GOD." When the Old Testament mentioned fear of GOD, it generally meant giving due respect to GOD. Respect is far from fear. Respect is an attitude proper to a free person. GOD does not threaten to throw us into hell; rather HE reminds us that to lose HIM is to lose ourselves also, and this is hell.)
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