August 26: The Loving Judge

“God loves everyone” is popular thinking, but is it true? Some people or groups focus on God's wrath and judgment to the point of ignoring His love. Other people or groups do the exact opposite, focusing on God's love while disregarding His warnings about a coming judgment day.

It is absolutely true that God loves everyone. But that doesn't mean that everyone is going to heaven, that God never gets angry or that God is not displeased with people's defiance and disobedience. It doesn't mean that God forgives all sins (There is a sin that God will not forgive--Matthew 12:30-32). It does not mean that God is accepting of all behaviors or that God is not a God of judgment or has no standards.

God is loving, but He is also the Judge who has the final word. Look at what the Apostle Peter wrote:

"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our Fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed (The Flood of Noah's day). By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction of ungodly men." (2 Peter 3:3-8)

When you and I die our judge will be “righteous and just” (2 Timothy 4:8). A good and loving God created us and we must give account to him for our lives. Romans 2:16 says there is a day when God will judge our secrets. History has a destination. We have a date with God. God keeps perfect records and will “give to each according to what he has done” (Romans 2:6). God does not show favoritism. If God judges us, then how can he be loving at the same time?

"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be burned up and laid bare." (2 Peter 3:9-10)

The most popular verse in the whole Bible is John 3:16, which tells us that God does love everyone:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

But don't ignore verses 17 and 18:

"For God sent hot his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved... He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten God."

2 Samuel 14:14 reveals the true heart of God:

"Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him."

Even though God has spoken that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23) and “the soul that sins shall surely die” (Ezekiel 18:4), his love is so great that he is devising ways for people to be forgiven and reconciled to Himself.

Forgiveness is often difficult for us and we are often bent on revenge or "evening the score". God doesn't act and react like we do. God is constantly looking for ways to draw people back into relationship. God desires reconciliation.

“God is able to save completely those who come to God through Jesus, because Jesus always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). Remember, God does not desire for anyone to perish, but reconciliation comes about through repentence. Some will perish because they are too stubborn to turn to God.

~ Father, it seems like contradictory that a loving God would also pass judgment. Thank you that you are always seeking reconciliation and devising ways to bring prodigals home. Amen.