In both the Old and New Testaments, we are commanded to "fear the Lord". > **Fear the Lord your God** and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name. Deuteronomy 10:20 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?