How is a Christian supposed to fear God when "there is no fear in love" (1 John 4:18)? In both the Old and New Testaments, we are commanded to &quot;fear the Lord&quot;.

Fear the Lord your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.  Deuteronomy 10:20 ESV
Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.  1 Peter 2:17 ESV

However, in the first epistle of John, we are told that there is no fear in love, and that love drives out fear.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.  1 John 4:18 ESV

So, in what sense are we to fear God, and in what sense are we not to fear God?
I heard it once said that the word fear in the bible has more senses and meanings than almost any other word.  Sometimes we think a word can only mean one thing, but even common words that we use every day, mean slightly different things depending on the context.

Takes this verse for example:


  Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28, NIV)


Afraid is the Greek word φοβηθητε which is based on the primary verb 'to flee' which developed in the idea 'being startled' and 'running away'.  You may have heard the phrase 'fight' or 'flight'.  When we get nervous, human response either puts our fists up, or we become afraid and we flee.  Therefore, the word can also be fright, panic, terror, depending on degree. As we extend the idea to God it is really as a small human encounters a strong force.  

Now to the question. When a sinner under the Law, encounters a force infinitely opposed to him in holy wrath and vindictive justice, it is natural to be very afraid. It is in this context that in Christ we are no longer to fear, for we are no longer condemned.  However, even when such fear 'that has torment' is removed there is still a fear of humanity encountering a great force, now working for our good. A more joyful fear.

Imagine a neutral force. If we were to stand at Niagara Falls we would stand in reverent awe at the power.  If we walked along the grand canyon we would be in awe, and would not walk to close to the edge, as we would have a reverent majestic awe of the power of the situation.  In the same sense to approach and all powerful God who has moved the universe on the cross, to reach us with an undying love and rescue us from eternal torments, if we were not to stand in great fear, under such a wonderful power, we must not have a clue about who God is. If we were to abandon a great salvation like that it would be like stumbling into a canyon as a fool.

Fear as a result of faith makes us run to God, and under the gospel with the boldness and confidence of a child running to the strong arms of his father, with great respect, reverence, joy and love.