Fear of God (Christianity)

According to St Francis de Sales, one fears God out of love rather than loving him out of fear. This holy fear is an element of adoration and of the recognition of the individual's dependence and sinfulness. It also includes an element of fear for his own salvation in the light of God's justice which may lead to repentance, this being morally justifiable if it acts as preparation for justification, when it may be transformed and integrated by the love of God for his own sake. The fear then becomes loving reverence.