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The Fear of God Produces Unity and Harmony Among People
The influence of the fear of God to produce unity and harmony among people was witnessed in the early days of the church. Jesus had promised the kingdom of God would come with power (Mark 9:1). This was fulfilled in Acts 2 as the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, declared the glory of God through the Son whom those present “by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay” (Acts 2:23). Peter exhorted the people, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation” (Acts 2:40). About three thousand turned to the Lord in obedience, “and fear came upon every soul...all that believed were together” (Acts 2:43,44). There is no question that God’s influence on their lives was real, because “fear came upon every soul.”
If the fear of God can produce such behavior in the early church, what does that say about situations today where churches are squabbling and dividing? You can only conclude that God must not be real to those involved in such behavior. God is not to be blamed. “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33). God beseeches brethren to dwell together in unity and harmony “that there be no divisions among you, but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Those who “behave unseemly” in the church toward one another must not have the “fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:18). These things ought not be. Before a church problem arises, brethren should evaluate their heart and see if the fear of God dwells there.
The unity and harmony of those in Acts 2 brings to light the value of having companions among the spiritually-minded people of God. David’s words are very clear on this subject: “I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, And of them that observe Thy precepts...They that fear Thee shall see me and be glad, because I have hope in Thy word” (Psalm 119:63,74). One of the best choices one can make in life is to find and love those who fear Jehovah. They help you bear your burdens, provoke you to love and good works, and count you better than themselves (Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 10:24; Philippians 2:3,4).
As the kindness of God has been good to us (Titus 3:4), we ought to be kind to another (Ephesians 4:32). Such behavior leads to better relationships among people whether they be family, neighbors, or fellow Christians. When the fear of God in our hearts brings unity and harmony among others, the glory of God will be witnessed through those good works (Matthew 5:16).
