God is just
I was a bit conflicted when thinking about this issue. I do believe in justice so realise that if I have done things wrong in my life then I deserve punishment. Also, I believe that God is good and has pure love for us all. In those circumstances I have said that I don’t fear God. He is just and loving and will deliver whatever is appropriate. I will receive whatever I deserve and that is fair treatment.
Luke 6:37 – Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;
God’s mercy
What I had not fully realised was the extent of God’s mercy. He will treat us in a fair manner on the day of final judgment. He will deliver justice, which will be dependent on our sins during life, our belief in Jesus as the redeemer and how we feel in our hearts.
John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Proverbs 21:2 – Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.
Although I said that I don’t fear God perhaps I should. My own view, however, is that what I should fear is the fact that I am insignificant in His presence. I do not feel worthy and am totally dependant on his grace and mercy on the day of judgement.
My own life
I have done things wrong in my life. We all have. Also, like most people, I have experienced problems that at times have caused me great distress. I don’t want you to think that I have suffered excessively. My problems pale into insignificance when I compare them with what some people have gone through. It makes me realise that I have been fortunate.
Something worth contemplating therefore is the extent of suffering by Jesus when he was crucified on the cross. We can realise that our suffering is not significant by comparison. Christians believe that Jesus rose to heaven after his death and is now seated with God the Father. Also, we have the same opportunity to have eternal life.
Psalm 34:4 – I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Our need for support
Life is much more satisfying when we have the love and support of others. It can be difficult if we feel alone in our struggles yet what we forget is that God is always with us. He loves us all and when we truly believe in him he gives us guidance and support.
God does work in mysterious ways but he will always act in our best interests. Perhaps, when we suffer, it is the lesser evil that we experience. There always seems to be someone else who is suffering more than us. But, why question such things, just trust in God and you will avoid distress.
Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Psalm 33:5 – He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.
Why do good people suffer ?
Often people ask, “why does God allow bad things to happen ?”. But It’s not God who makes people suffer. I believe that Satan and our own weakness is what causes much of the suffering that we experience.
It’s true that suffering can bring us closer to God. How many times have you noticed that when people are suffering they will call out to God seeking relief from their pain and distress. Some of the greatest believers in God have experienced great trauma in their lives.
Our suffering in life is not punishment from God. But it does bring us closer to God. It’s important to develop our relationship with Him if we are to improve our well-being and spiritual life.
How we measure success
Many people feel that money and possessions are the hallmarks of success. In my view this does not bring them long-term satisfaction but they are always seeking more of the same. They are then too preoccupied with themselves and that disconnects them from their spirituality.
Acting only in self-interest is not consistent with Christian belief. If instead we focus on the needs of others we can detach from our own issues. I don’t claim to be a model citizen and it is only due to my epiphany that I am aware that being truly Christian brings absolute peace of mind.
Those who are truly successful in life exhibit behaviours that show a relaxed and confident state of mind. They are the characteristics of people who are blessed with the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
The final judgement
I have mentioned God’s approach and his mercy at the time of final judgement. That judgement will take place at the time of our death. In other words, once our soul and spirit have left our human form.
It’s worth repeating my comment from my blog titled Judgement. “Christian belief is that we will all be judged by Jesus once we die. Although our bodily form will go back to earth our spirit will by God’s grace join Him in heaven where we will have eternal life.”
Justice will be served on that day of final judgement. I only hope that you will be in the right frame of mind and will meet the requirements for eternal life.
Some interesting bible verses
Proverbs 21:15 – When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.
Proverbs 28:5 – Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.
Ezekiel 18:20-21 – The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live. Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live? None of the righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he has committed, for them he shall die. …
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