GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Bible says, “Avoid sin as if it were a snake.  If you get too near it will sink its teeth into your soul like a lion and destroy you” (Sirach 21:2)

                                    

THE FEAR OF GOD

The reverence and fear of God create fear of sin that is the consciousness of our lawless acts that hurt our Heavenly Father-who loves each one of us as His own son and daughter, more than our own mother. It teaches us that if we depend on our own strength a fall awaits us.

A childlike dependence towards God is prompt in this gift.  It is not the fear of punishment or shame of insults, etc. but it stems up from our emotional displeasure towards hurting God, who showers motherly love upon us, that we ought to apply self control not only in deeds, but also in his words and thoughts. One must seek, work and search with a thirsty heart to obtain this gift. 

Though Reverence for God and Fear of God may seem alike but the work of these two gifts – when intervene with God and His services with piety produces an amazing spiritual joy in a person to exhale the fear of God that produces tremendous courage to avoid evil ways.

A person who fears God will surely obey Him because it is painful for him to displease God.  For example, it was not so easy for Abraham to sacrifice his son to God.  The pain in displeasing God made him to pick up the knife to sacrifice his son.  “There the angel of God called him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham……..don’t hurt the boy or do anything to him….. Now I know that you honor and obey God because you have not kept back your only son for me.” (Gen.22)

Fear of God allows the person to obey everything God commands.  The thought that - even a minute disobedience can give pain to God will make the person conscious about his deeds and keep on doing penance for the purification of his actions and even for others.

“Because of you I am afraid; I am filled with fear because of your judgment.”  (Psalms 119:120)

Fear of God cannot tolerate fraud, partiality or taking of bribes.  The Holy Bible says, “Sinners have not known the path of peace nor they have learned reverence for God.”  (Romans) 

The one who fears God rejects every wickedness of men.  So then let us purify ourselves from everything that makes our body or soul unclean and let us be completely holy by living in awe of God.  Fear of God is the origin of wisdom and understanding. 

It is rigid for an ordinary person to understand the attitudes and actions of a pious personality. Kindness and loyal submissiveness can be seen in their actions. Submit yourself to one another because of your reverence for Christ.

Let us take the example of life of Christ Jesus.  “You have authority over me only because it was given to you by God”.  Here Lord Jesus submits His life to the authorities according to the will of God. 

The Fear of God always inspires in one’s heart, “Death than sin.”  Martyrdom of St. Maria Goretti is an inspiring example of Fear of God.

So serve the Lord with fear, be holy in all that you do, just as God who calls you is holy.

St. Paul says about the state of one who is not lead by the power of God.

 “I am a mortal man, sold as a slave to sin.  I do not understand what I do.  For I don’t do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate.….. This means it is the sin that lives in me…..  My inner being delights in the law of God, but I see a different law at work. What an unhappy man I am.  Who will rescue me from this body that is taking me to death? (Rom 7)

The Bible says, “Physical exercise has got some value but spiritual exercise is more valuable in every way because it promises life both for the present and the future.” (1Tim. 4:8)

 So keep yourself training for a godly life.  If you decide a word against your sinful life it will help you to turn away. 

But along with your decision, if you tell your God to send His grace upon you, He will guard the decision taken by you and you will achieve success. 

The Holy Bible says, “For we do not know how we ought to pray.  The Spirit himself pleads with God for us in groans that word cannot express and God who sees into our hearts knows what the thought of the Spirit is, because the Spirit pleads with God on behalf of his people and in accordance with His will.”  (Rom 8:26)

Kindly Note:

As per the message from God of KLWC, our team will be conducting an in-house 48 hours fasting prayer service from the 28th Aug 2015 to 30th Aug 2015.  Your Thanksgivings and Prayer Requests are welcome.