R’ Asher of Stolin assumed the mantle of Chassidic leadership at a very young age.  One young man, a close personal friend of R’ Asher’s, was thrust into an uncomfortable situation – his friend was now his leader and Rebbe.  How should he relate to him?

R’ Asher asked him “Are you afraid of me?”  The young man did not answer.  R’ Asher persisted: “Are you afraid of me?”  Again, the chassid didn’t know how to react.  Finally, after the new Rebbe repeated the question, the chassid blurted out, “I’m afraid to do something that will spoil the love between us.”

Angrily, R’ Asher said “Scoundrel, how dare you define our relationship in those terms?  That is what true fear of Heaven is about.” ~ The Pirkei Avos Treasury