In explaining the fear of God to children, there is no
objection to teaching it as 'Abdu'l-Bahá so often taught everything, in the
form of parables. Also the child should be made to understand that we don't
fear God because He is cruel, but we fear Him because He is just, and, if we do
wrong and deserve to be punished, then in His justice He may see fit to punish
us. We must both love God and fear Him.
(From a letter dated 15 February 1957
written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to some individual believers; The
Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Baha’i Education)
