Читать книгу On Sins and Virtues - Любомир Гузар - Страница 7

The Good Book mentions the fear of God. What is the meaning of it? Many people believe that we should be careful about our deeds, since if we do something wrong, then God, our Lord, like a fair policeman, will punish us. So we need to be cautious and wary of everything, not to get our bumps.

Actually, the fear of God is nothing but the feeling of shame. For instance, I feel if I do something “wrong” in the presence of my mom or another person dear to me. Likewise, we feel ashamed to do wrong in the presence of God. And God is everywhere, He is omnipresent. To put it short – we feel awkward , we feel bitter, we are afraid to have hurt someone by our negligent, unfair and sinful behavior. The feeling of shame can be analyzed in various ways. But, generally speaking, it is a feeling of inner discomfort caused by doing wrong in front of other people, particularly, the beloved ones.

Shame.

Justina Yakimyak, 16 years old, Kyiv

The feeling of shame is peculiar to those who respect others. One may also feel ashamed for someone else, who they are related to. For example, for a son or a daughter, for a relative, for a compatriot, for a colleague ot an acquaintance.

Ask me if I have ever felt ashamed? Of course, I have.