In Hebrews 12:28 the
Bible says, "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be
shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with
reverence and godly fear. " Reverence is the respect and honor we
give to God and all things pertaining to Him (Exodus 3:5). In Psalms
89:7 the Bible says, "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the
saints, And to be held in reverence by all those who are around Him "
The Bible says that
christians are to lead lives of reverence and respect for spiritual
things and for any entity that God has ordained (I Timothy 2:2: Titus
2:7; 1 Peter 2:17; 2 Peter 2:10; Jude 8). The Bible says that christians
are to teach their children to have reverence for them, for other
people, and for God (1 Timothy 3:4; Exodus 20:12; Leviticus 19:32; Job
32:4-7; Isaiah 45:10).
The Bible says that
reverence is expressed outwardly. Abraham fell on his face in reverence
when God appeared and talked with Him (Genesis 17:1-3). The Bible says
that while reverent behavior is to be practiced by all people regardless
of age, it is the older people among us who are especially encouraged to
show it (Titus 2:2-3).
In scripture reverence
is often coupled with fear or awe in regard to God (Malachi 2:5; 1
Chronicles 16:30; Psalm 4:4). When a people lose it fear, awe, respect,
and reverence for God its morals and behavior deteriorate (Romans
3:10-18). This is what has happened in the moral and spiritual
regression of America. We no longer have a strong, pervasive reverence
in this nation for the things that pertain to God.
The Bible says that
church leaders (e.g., deacons and their wives) should live reverently
before God (1 Timothy 3:8-11). The example of reverence from church
leaders will have an impact on the congregation(s) they are a part of
(Malachi 1:6-ff; Lamentation 4:16). The Bible says that respect for each
other comes from our showing reverence and respect to God (Ephesians
5:22-33; Matthew 21:33-46).