Scripture always makes sense. But we need to study it as a whole and ask God's Spirit to guide us.
For example:
Psalm 111:10: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom."
2 Timothy 1:7: "God has not given us a spirit of fear."
Do we fear God or not?
The "spirit of fear" in 2 Timothy is a spirit of worry or anxiety. Fear of God is a healthy respect for God's power and authority. Very different things!
Another example:
Hebrews 12:6: "For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child."
1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment."
If God punishes His children, how can we love Him without fear?
Because every earthly punishment from God is fair, just, and loving. And we are saved from the eternal punishment we deserve.
A healthy fear of God removes unhealthy fears.
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See these other 1-minute devotions for more clarification of this principle:
Godly Fear is a Good Thing
Fear God? Doesn't Love Cast Out Fear?
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