And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28 ASV)
Christians are instructed to fear God rather than men. Men can only inflict us bodily pain, rob us of temporal things or cause us all kinds of miseries. But they can do these things only if God allows them to. Otherwise, they can do nothing to hurt us. Why would God allow us to suffer? God has good intentions. Trust that He permits sufferings in our lives to make us perfect in our faith, hope and love for Him. His sovereignty will lead us to see and experience His great power, wisdom and love. Know that God seeks His glory in everything He does. The end result should be to glorify God. God is the source of life. He has the power to give life and the power to take it back. Our body and soul are His. Who do you fear most? We should fear God the most. He can send us to hell as eternal punishment for sins or He can bring us to Heaven with a crown of righteousness, for an everlasting and glorious life. Fear God. To fear Him is to obey His commands faithfully.
