[Forest Keeper]

Many more fear Him because they know that we are ungrateful to Him all the time. They believe because they figure if they can't beat Him they better join him!Fear is not love. Only those who don't love God (even if they claim they do) fear God. Those who love Him have no fear -- they simply submit to "Thy will be done" knowing that whatever happens will be merciful and just.

I see fear very differently. John the Baptist preached it. To me, fear of the Lord is an appreciation of the greatness of the power of God. Therefore, to understand God better is to fear him more. Next to Him, we are bugs, beloved bugs, but bugs. I see the Biblical use of the concept as a good thing and not inconsistent with love at all.

[Kolokotronis]

"Next to Him, we are bugs, beloved bugs, but bugs."

No we're not. We are, as the Fathers say, a marvel of the angels. But there is no comparison between us as finite created beings and our ineffable and transcendant Triune God. This is no denial of the fact that Adam and Eve were created in the image and likeness of God. Even after the Fall, they retained the image of God, but lost His "likeness". Through the Incarnation we are again able to attain theosis, which is the fullness of the "likeness" of God wherein we share in God's uncreated energies, though not, of course in His essence.

[kosta50]

To me, fear of the Lord is an appreciation of the greatness of the power of God

Of course, owe and reverence, but the west also sees a vengful and angry God. That is most unfortunate.