God's Love and Justice
Sabbath School Lesson 7
The Problem of Evil
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Are you struggling with the question of God’s goodness?
From a Christian perspective, struggling with the question of God’s goodness is understandable, especially in the face of suffering, unanswered prayers, or injustice.
Acknowledging the Struggle
Many faithful Christians, including biblical figures like Job, David (in the Psalms), and even Jesus on the cross ("My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" - Matthew 27:46), have wrestled with this question.
Doubt and struggle are not signs of weak faith but can lead to deeper trust in God.
Looking at Scripture on God's Goodness
The Bible affirms that God is good (Psalm 34:8 – "Taste and see that the Lord is good.").
His goodness is seen in creation (Genesis 1), His provision (Matthew 6:26), and most powerfully in Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
Addressing Suffering and Evil
A key challenge to believing in God’s goodness is the presence of suffering. Christianity offers several insights:
Free Will – God created humans with free will, which allows for love but also the possibility of sin and evil (Deuteronomy 30:19).
The Fall – The world is broken due to sin (Romans 5:12), but God is working to restore it.
God’s Purpose in Suffering – Romans 8:28 assures us that God works all things for good for those who love Him. Suffering can refine faith (James 1:2-4).
Jesus' Suffering – Christianity uniquely teaches that God entered human suffering through Jesus, who experienced betrayal, pain, and death, showing that He is not distant from our struggles (Hebrews 4:15).
Seeing God's Goodness in Christ
The ultimate proof of God's goodness is Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He shows God’s love, mercy, and justice.
Even when circumstances seem to say otherwise, we look to the cross as evidence of God's goodness and faithfulness (Romans 5:8).
Encouraging Trust and Relationship with God
Faith does not always mean understanding but trusting God’s character even in confusion (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Encouragement to pray honestly like the Psalms, seek Christian community, and read testimonies of God's faithfulness can help.
"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
God’s Amazing Love
This passage reveals the extraordinary nature of God's love. Unlike human love, which often depends on conditions and personal benefit, God's love is universal and unconditional. He blesses both the righteous and the unrighteous, offering kindness even to those who oppose Him. This demonstrates that God's love is not based on merit but on His gracious character. Jesus calls us to reflect this divine love by loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us.
How We Should Act Toward Others - 4 Points
1. Love Unconditionally – We are called to love not only our friends and family but also those who mistreat or oppose us.
2. Pray for Our Enemies – Instead of seeking revenge, we should pray for their well-being and spiritual transformation.
3. Show Kindness Without Partiality – Just as God provides for all people, we should extend kindness to everyone, regardless of how they treat us.
4. Strive for Godly Perfection – Jesus calls us to a higher standard, reflecting God's perfect love in how we treat others.
By loving even our enemies, we display the transformative power of God's love, becoming true children of our Heavenly Father.
More: Lesson 6 - God's Love of Justice
One of the theological tensions in Scripture involves whether or not God changes His mind. Some passages seem to suggest that God "relents" or "repents," while others insist that He does not. How do we reconcile these statements? A closer look at Exodus 32:14, Jeremiah 18:4–10, Numbers 23:19, and 1 Samuel 15:29 provides insight into this important question.
The Apparent Contradiction
Two sets of verses seem to present conflicting views:
1. God "Relenting" (Changing His Course of Action)
- Exodus 32:14 – "And the LORD relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people."
- Jeremiah 18:4–10 – God describes how He may change His actions based on human response, stating that if a nation repents, He will withhold judgment, but if they turn to evil, He will bring disaster.
2. God Not "Repenting" (Changing His Nature or Ultimate Plan)
- Numbers 23:19 – "God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?"
- 1 Samuel 15:29 – "And also the Glory of Israel will not lie or have regret, for he is not a man, that he should have regret."
At first glance, these statements seem to contradict each other. If God relents, does that mean He changes His mind like humans do? Or, if God does not repent, does that mean His threats of judgment are meaningless? The key lies in understanding the distinction between God’s unchanging character and His responsive actions toward humanity.
Understanding God’s "Relenting"
The Hebrew word often translated as "relent" or "repent" in these passages is nacham, which can mean to be moved with compassion, to change one’s course of action, or to express sorrow. It does not necessarily imply regret in the human sense of having made a mistake.
God’s Moral Consistency vs. His Relational Flexibility
God’s nature and promises are unchanging, as emphasized in Numbers 23:19 and 1 Samuel 15:29. When He declares something based on His eternal character—such as His holiness, justice, or covenant faithfulness—it remains firm. However, when God issues warnings or judgments, they often come with an implicit condition: if people repent, He will show mercy.
This principle is explicitly stated in Jeremiah 18:4–10, where God describes how He deals with nations based on their response to His word. If they turn from evil, He will withhold judgment; if they fall into wickedness, He will bring calamity. This does not mean God is indecisive but rather that He engages relationally with humanity.
Exodus 32:14 – God’s Compassion in Response to Intercession
In Exodus 32, after Israel’s sin with the golden calf, Moses intercedes, pleading for God’s mercy. Verse 14 states, "And the LORD relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people." Here, God does not change His eternal will or moral nature but responds to the intercession of Moses. His willingness to "relent" is a demonstration of His justice and mercy working together.
Theological Implications
God Does Not Change in His Nature or Ultimate Plans
- His holiness, justice, and faithfulness remain constant.
- His promises and purposes are not subject to human unpredictability.
God Does Respond to Human Actions
- When people repent, God shows mercy.
- When people persist in sin, judgment comes.
- Intercessory prayer plays a role in God’s engagement with humanity.
The Bible does not present a contradiction but rather a dynamic relationship between God’s unchanging nature and His responsive dealings with people. God does not change His ultimate purposes or moral standards, but He does respond relationally to human actions. His "relenting" is not an admission of error but a demonstration of His mercy and justice in perfect harmony.
Thus, when we read that "God relented" in one passage but "does not change His mind" in another, we should recognize that Scripture is addressing different aspects of God’s character—His unwavering faithfulness and His compassionate interaction with humanity.
More: Lesson 6 - God's Love of Justice
One of the most comforting truths in Scripture is the unchanging nature of God. In a world marked by constant shifts—cultural changes, economic instability, and personal uncertainties—the character of God remains steadfast. He is immutable, meaning He does not change in His essence, purposes, or promises. This attribute provides a firm foundation for our faith and an anchor for our souls.
The Bible clearly affirms the immutability of God in several passages. Malachi 3:6 declares, “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” Here, God assures His people that His covenantal love and faithfulness remain steadfast, ensuring their preservation despite their failures.
James 1:17 reinforces this truth: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” Unlike the shifting patterns of celestial bodies or the unreliable nature of human beings, God is constant in His goodness and generosity.
Similarly, 2 Timothy 2:13 reveals God’s faithfulness even when we are unfaithful: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself.” This means that God’s commitment to His promises does not waver based on human actions. His nature is inherently faithful.
Titus 1:2 highlights that God cannot lie, underscoring the dependability of His Word: “In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.” If God’s character could change, then His promises would be uncertain. However, His immutability guarantees the reliability of His word.
Hebrews 6:17-18 further confirms this truth: “So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of His purpose, He guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.” Because God’s purposes do not change, we can take refuge in His promises with unwavering confidence.
A Secure Salvation – If God could change, then His promises regarding salvation could also change. But because He is immutable, believers can rest assured that His gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ is secure (John 10:28-29).
Unshakable Promises – In a world where people break their commitments, God's promises remain steadfast. Whether it is His assurance of provision, peace, or guidance, He will always be faithful to His Word.
Consistent Character – Unlike humans, who are prone to mood swings and inconsistency, God’s character remains the same. His holiness, justice, mercy, and love are unchanging.
A Source of Comfort – In times of trouble, knowing that God’s love, mercy, and power do not diminish brings great comfort. What He has done for His people in the past, He will continue to do.
As believers, we can anchor our faith in God’s changeless character. The same God who parted the Red Sea, raised Jesus from the dead, and sustained His people throughout history is the God we serve today. In the midst of life’s uncertainties, His immutability provides peace and confidence. As Hebrews 13:8 affirms, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
When we face trials, we can remind ourselves of this unshakable truth: Our God does not change. His love, His power, and His promises are as sure today as they were in the past—and they will remain true for all eternity.
More: Lesson 6 - God's Love of Justice