Ecclesiastes 10-12

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes‬ ‭12:13-14‬)

Fear of God may begin the whole duty of humankind, but fear, whether interpreted as respect or as fright, is neither the only possible beginning nor the middle, nor the end of that duty. Awe may begin a person’s spiritual quest. Love may inspire a soul’s journey with God. Nature may quicken the heart toward a life intertwined with the Living Creator. So fear is one among many starting points for fidelity to duty.

Perfect love casts out fear (See 1 John 4:18.).  Love also fulfills God’s commands (See Romans 13:10 and Galatians 5:14). So in the beginning we aim at obedience to God out of fear, if we must, but growing toward spiritual maturity, we simply love. We receive love. We give love. We live love.

Love brings us home, at last, where both justice and mercy are completed without and within. Praise God!