LESSON 4: Love in the Place of Fear

“‘Your forebears feared God because he was mighty and mysterious. You shall adore him
because he is magnificent in love, plenteous in mercy, and glorious in truth. The power of God
engenders fear in the heart of man, but the nobility and righteousness of his personality beget,
reverence, love, and willing worship. A dutiful and affectionate son does not fear or dread even a
mighty and noble father. I have come into the world to put love in the place of fear, joy in the
place of sorrow, confidence in the place of dread, loving service and appreciative worship in the
place of slavish bondage and meaningless ceremonies. But it is still true of those who sit in
darkness that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” But when the light has more
fully come, the sons of God are led to praise the Infinite for what he is rather than to fear him for
what he does.'” (1675.6) 149:6.5 Ps 111:10.