We Persuade People

Therefore, though we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord—for we walk by faith, not by sight—yet we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord. Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or bad.

Knowing, then, the fear of the Lord, we persuade people. We are completely open before God, and I hope we are completely open to your consciences as well.
(2 Corinthians 5:6-11 HCSB ©®)

Fear of the Lord drives us to preach that He is already a King, and that He will one day sit as Judge of His citizens. When He is seated as Judge, the scene is so fierce and terrible that heaven and earth try to flee from it (Revelation 20:11). The weight of every decision and the value of every possession and desire will be made clear beyond need of any question. Inspiring people to think in the frame their minds will be in on that day will prepare them to hear “Well done!” on that day, and to be filled with joy as they see His joy.