Reverence
“To fear, respect; modesty”
Summary
Reverence is the respectful, submissive disposition arising from affection and esteem toward God, His house, His servants, and all properly constituted authority.
☩Reverence for God
True reverence toward God combines holy fear with loving devotion. It is manifested in careful obedience to His commands, humble worship, and hallowing His name. The writer of Hebrews calls believers to serve God acceptably 'with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire.' This reverence characterized the patriarchs, who fell on their faces before God's appearances.
☩Reverence for Authority
Scripture commands reverent respect toward various authorities. Children are to honor their parents; wives are to reverence their husbands; servants their masters. The aged deserve special honor, for gray hair is 'a crown of glory.' Believers are to honor and pray for governing authorities, recognizing that all legitimate authority derives from God.
☩Christ's Example
Jesus perfectly modeled reverence for His Father, being 'heard in that he feared' (or 'because of his godly fear'). Though equal with God, He humbled Himself in obedience even unto death. His reverent submission to the Father's will, demonstrated supremely in Gethsemane, shows what true reverence looks like in action.
Related Verses37 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Reverence," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Reverence," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Reverence," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).