5.5. Holiness Based on Fear

Stories of the Saints often aim to inspire, yet some may interpret them as examples to emulate in a rigid way—using these stories as a framework for proving righteousness or attempting to please God through specific behaviors. This tendency often ties into a deeper psychological struggle rooted in fear, as referenced in John 4:18: 'There is no fear in love.'

A simple way to assess whether one's relationship with God is grounded in love or fear is by asking a few revealing questions:

'Can you commit sin?'
'Can you accept God's judgment over your sin?'
'Would you accept it if Jesus decided you wouldn't be with Him forever?'
If any of these questions provoke responses like, 'No,' 'God wouldn't do that,' 'But I've done this or that,' or 'That's unacceptable,' it may indicate an underlying fear of God’s will, rather than a true embrace of His freedom and sovereignty. Such fear often drives efforts to appease God, suppressing genuine love and acceptance of His will.

When we truly accept Jesus’ free will, as exemplified by St. Francis, we can find peace even in the unthinkable. St. Francis is said to have reached a point of profound surrender, declaring that if God willed for him to go to hell, he would do so gladly. This radical acceptance does not stem from despair or self-loathing or trust but from a childlike freedom that does not apply dangereous reaction in our thought or reflection.

In this ultimate surrender, fear is cast out, and love becomes pure—free from the need to control or earn God's favor or punishment. It is this freedom that leads to true union with Him, where His will becomes our joy, regardless of where it may lead.