Fear and Love Thy God and Lord
Fear and love thy God and Lord
This hymn articulates the Lutheran understanding of proper fear of God as reverent awe paired with love, reflecting the catechetical instruction on the First Commandment. It demonstrates the Law-Gospel balance essential to Lutheran piety, showing how fear of judgment motivates obedience while love of God sustains faithful discipleship.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this hymn in early 17th-century Germany as a doctrinal hymn emphasizing the proper relationship between fear and love toward God. It was published in Lutheran hymnals throughout the German tradition and subsequently translated into English for use in American Lutheran worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 350
- Lutheran Service Book — 697
- Lutheran Worship — 367
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 427
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Martin Behm in 1610, this hymn captures the catechetical vision of the First Commandment—fear and love as the twin movements of faithful obedience rooted in the God revealed through Word and sacrament.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Lutheran insight that proper piety unites fear and love, making it an ideal companion to sermons on the First Commandment or the tension between Law and Gospel.
Themes
Fear of God Love of God Obedience to divine law Christian stewardship