"He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6)
“God hath not given us the spirit of fear...” (II Timothy 1:7).
We are encouraged to fear the Lord because fear is the BEGINNING of wisdom. It starts us on our journey to find that sin has been atoned for as the result of God's love and faithfulness.
"Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.” (Proverbs 16:6)
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love." (1 John 4:16)
The Bible assures us that God "keeps no record of wrongs", and that His love "never fails".
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
Love is the GRACE of God in action! In His grace, God gives us a "spirit of power, and of love, and a sound mind".
“God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7).
When we gain the wisdom that God's love is what motivates Him to save humanity, that love drives out fear. Love and fear are not intended to occupy the same ground.
"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. We love because He first loved us." (1 John 4:13-19)
It is a glorious thing to realize His anger lasts "only a moment" - while His love lasts a lifetime, and beyond.
"For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." (Proverbs 30:5)