Exploring the Paradox of a Loving God and the Existence of Evil

Exploring the Paradox of a Loving God and the Existence of EvilAccording to scripture, God is love. This profound assertion raises the question: if God is a loving deity, why does evil exist?

Firstly, consider the Biblical definition of love found in 1 Corinthians chapter 13: Love is kind and patient, does not envy or boast, is not proud, does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.

With this definition, we can evaluate whether it aligns with the Biblical portrayal of God. If God is love, then love is eternal, existing in a continuous cycle. This cycle demonstrates that love is freely given, received, and returned, yet it is also sacrificial. For love to function in this manner, a relationship is necessary, requiring willing participants. This willingness necessitates free will, allowing true and sustainable love through the freedom of choice. As love progresses through its stages, growth and maturity naturally occur, indicating that love is always evolving.

For love to be a choice, there must be a contrasting option. Thus, God created darkness as a contrast to light, and evil as a counter to good. This contrast allows us to compare God's character and choose to either embrace or reject love. Our choices logically and reasonably affect us, leading to an outcome where we either unite with love and the object of our affection or align with the opposite of love and its opposing force.

While some attempt to exist in a neutral state, light and darkness cannot coexist. Thus, the presence of darkness serves as a balance.

Why do certain evils occur to individuals? God grants us the will to choose love, and our choices either draw us toward or away from it. Much of what happens to us results from these choices. Why doesn't God intervene?

God respects our will and, despite His omnipotence, cannot act contrary to love and He remains true to His identity. We must grant either God or evil the legal right to influence our will. However, God can intervene without overstepping boundaries, remaining within the realm of love. For instance, He might not prevent an evil act against an innocent person but will equip and support them through the situation, bringing healing in due time. He transforms the outcome, preserving the victim's heart and mind, and uses the experience to bring about justice in ways that may differ from our expectations, as God comprehends all outcomes, hearts, and intentions. He knows if both souls are redeemable and how the entire narrative will impact others who witness or learn of the story. Many can derive lessons and be moved by the victim's life, possibly leading to forgiveness and the salvation of multiple souls through grace.

People struggle with this concept, questioning the necessity of suffering. However, consider that a person who has endured pain and then becomes pain-free can appreciate the difference. Through pain, faith and maturity grow, and these lessons become more memorable.

As parents, we often make similar decisions for our children. Relating to God and His ways can be challenging because His ways are higher than ours, and we tend to confine Him to logic, forgetting that spiritual matters transcend such limitations.

To make Himself more relatable and to demonstrate His love for us, God provided various human relationships to teach us the types and depths of love.

In religion, we seek and pursue God, whereas in Christianity, God pursues us, which is one way that Christianity differs from all other religions. Our faith is based on relationship, and this is why Jesus said we are set apart. Throughout the Word, you can see different ways God demonstrates His great love for us. If you are a parent, you understand there are uncomfortable aspects to love in that love, above all, wants what is best for someone else rather than their happiness all the time. Love is sacrifice. At times, it requires great restraint, and God's wisdom in the way He loves can appear unloving or even cold to some, but His plan far exceeds man's greatest intellect. God is love, but He is also the judge and justice. He knows and does not allow more than what we can handle. When tests and trials happen, He knows the hearts, the intent, and the outcome, so He knows the cross we bear. He is the only one with the power and authority to say who, when, and how He will show mercy, when to intercede, and when to step back. This is where faith must depend on who He is and trust that He is the way, the truth, and the life as He claims. He has always shown Himself worthy in the way that He has always held true to His promises.