Another reason every Christian should share the gospel with others is the Fear of the Lord. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others (2 Corinthians 5:11 ESV). Like the Apostle Paul we fear God and know that every person will stand before God and give an account. We know that “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31 ESV). This holy reverence and fear of God moves the people of God to action, namely the action of persuading others of gospel truth. This was something that Jesus exhorted and commanded of His disciples before sending them out on a mission trip. “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:26-28 ESV). For many Christians it’s the fear of man that hinders them from proclaiming the gospel message but Jesus gives us the solution for the fear of man, namely the fear of God. The Fear of the Lord will counteract any fear of man. When you live with the awareness that God is everywhere, knows everything and is Almighty God, then you won’t be stifled by the fear of man. Then you will be able to say with David “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1 ESV)

May our view of God’s greatness and power break the stronghold of the fear of man and may the Fear of the Lord motivate us to persuade others with gospel truth.