Lesson 5.The Wrath of Divine Love | 5.6 Summary | THE GOD OF LOVE AND JUSTICE | LIVING FAITH

5.6 Summary
Justice from Deepest Mercy

Lesson 5 highlights how God’s wrath is not comparable to human anger or revenge but is an expression of His perfect love and justice. His wrath is not directed against people but against the evil that destroys His beloved creation. This lesson demonstrates that God’s wrath is a just and healing anger aimed at eliminating sin and restoring creation.

Key Points:

1. God’s Wrath is Just and Not Arbitrary:

   • The Bible shows that God becomes angry only when people repeatedly and persistently rebel against Him (e.g., Ezra 5:12; 2 Chronicles 36:16).

   • His wrath is always the consequence of human decision to turn away from Him.

2. God’s Patience and Long-Suffering:

   • God is “slow to anger” (Jonah 4:2) and continually gives people room to repent before executing judgment.

   • His goal is not punishment but healing, restoration, and justice.

3. Jesus as Protection from God’s Wrath:

   • Through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God has upheld justice while simultaneously providing a way of salvation (Romans 5:8–9).

   • Those who believe in Jesus are preserved from God’s future wrath.

4. No Human Revenge:

   • The Bible warns against confusing human revenge with divine wrath. Vengeance belongs solely to God (Romans 12:19). Instead, we are called to do good, even to our enemies (Romans 12:20).

5. Our Mission: Compassion and Forgiveness:

   • God shows us through His dealings with sinners how we should be merciful and patient with others.

   • Forgiveness, patience, and active help for the weak are practical ways to reflect God’s love.

Lesson 5 illustrates that God’s wrath and love go hand in hand. His wrath targets evil to create justice and healing for His creation. This understanding has profound implications for our daily lives and faith.

1. God’s Patience as a Model for Our Behavior:

   • Long-Suffering in Dealing with Others: God’s patience and long-suffering before becoming angry teach us the importance of being patient in our interpersonal relationships. Instead of reacting to others’ mistakes with anger or criticism, we can learn to show understanding and compassion.

   • Practicing Forgiveness: Because God has forgiven us through Christ, we are called to forgive others similarly. Forgiveness does not mean condoning wrongdoing but paving the way for healing and reconciliation (Matthew 6:14–15).

2. God’s Justice as Comfort:

   • Trusting in God’s Justice: In moments when we experience injustice or suffering, we can trust that God will ultimately judge all evil. We are not solely responsible for ensuring justice—God will balance everything in His time and way.

   • Refraining from Revenge: The Bible urges us not to seek revenge ourselves (Romans 12:19). This relieves us and allows us to focus on peace and healing.

3. Compassion for Others:

   • Advocating for the Weak: Jesus’ anger in the temple (John 2:14–15) shows that we should respond to injustice and the exploitation of the weak. Our faith challenges us to stand up for the weak, oppressed, and exploited.

   • Mercy as a Way of Life: By experiencing God’s mercy, we are called to extend it daily—through kindness, generosity, and active help for those in need.

4. Humility through God’s Grace:

   • Awareness of Our Own Salvation: Recognizing that God’s wrath is directed at sin, not us, and that we are saved through Jesus fosters humility. This humility helps us treat others with love and compassion rather than judgment.

   • Extending Grace: Remembering the undeserved grace we have received makes us more willing to show this grace to others.

5. Living the Gospel Daily:

   • Reflecting God’s Love: Through our actions, we can show others that God’s love is greater than His wrath. Living in forgiveness and compassion makes us ambassadors of the Gospel.

   • Light in a Dark World: In a world often marked by injustice and anger, we can be a light by demonstrating patience, compassion, and hope, making God’s love visible.

Conclusion:

Lesson 5 challenges us to reflect God’s character—His patience, justice, and mercy—in our lives. By acting patiently, mercifully, and justly, we honor God and live out our calling as Christians. We are called to be different in a world often filled with anger and injustice—tools of love and healing that make God’s character visible.

God’s wrath stems from His love—He calls us to act with grace and patience instead of judgment.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-the-wrath-of-divine-love-5-6-summary-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/