What does it mean to fear God in light of forgiveness?

Fearing God is often misunderstood; it is not about being afraid of punishment, but rather about having a proper appreciation of His holiness and grace. The psalmist indicates that 'there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.' This suggests that the forgiveness we receive should lead us to a state of reverent awe towards God. It motivates us not to take His grace lightly, prompting us to live lives that honor Him. The fear of God is seen as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7), guiding believers to align their lives with His will and to recognize the depth of His mercy towards sinners.