7.5 Love and Evil?
Love and Freedom—The Divine Risk and the Overcoming of Evil

The relationship between love and free will is a central theme in understanding God and the problem of evil. God is love (1 John 4:8) – but love can only exist if there is freedom. Without freedom, love would be meaningless and the universe would be a lifeless place without genuine relationships.

1. Why Is Free Will Necessary for Love?

   God could have prevented or immediately destroyed evil from the beginning. Yet that would have meant that true love and trust would have been destroyed.

   Key Principles:

   Love cannot be forced or programmed – it must be voluntary.

   Freedom brings with it the risk of abuse, but also the possibility of genuine relationships.

   God does not rule by coercion, but through love and truth.

2. Why Does God Allow Evil for a Time?

   The question remains: Why does God not immediately intervene when He hates evil so much?

   Quote from “The Life of Jesus” (SDL 14):

   “But this could not be accomplished by force. The use of force is in clear contrast to the principles of God’s rule, for in His kingdom, service is only motivated by love.”

   God demonstrates His justice not through power, but through love.

   If He were to destroy evil immediately, doubts about His character might arise.

   • All of creation must come to see that God’s ways are good and just.

   • Evil is not overcome by coercion, but by revealing itself.

   What This Means for Us:

   Evil exists because freedom exists – but it will not last forever.

   God allows evil for a time because His goal is not control but restoration.

   The history of the universe will eventually show that God’s ways are the best.

3. What Does This Mean for Our Faith?

   One might ask: Would we want God to abolish our free will? The answer is probably no, because without freedom, our lives would be empty and without genuine love.

   Our trust in God grows when we understand that:

   God has everything under control – even if it is not immediately visible.

   Our freedom is valuable because it allows us to experience genuine love.

   Evil will not endure forever – God’s plan will ultimately prevail.

   Conclusion:

   Love is the highest good – and therefore there is freedom, even though it brings the risk of evil. Yet in the end, God’s plan will fully reveal justice, truth, and love.

Read Romans 8:18 and Revelation 21:3–4. How can these verses give us the confidence to trust in God’s goodness despite all the evil in our world?

Evil in the world often causes us to doubt. Why does God allow suffering? Why do injustice and pain seem so overwhelming? Yet the Bible gives us a clear answer: the present suffering is not the end – God has a much greater plan.

1. Our Present Sufferings Are Not the Final Word (Romans 8:18)

   “For I am convinced that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)

   What Does This Mean?

   Our suffering is real but temporary.

   The coming glory will be unimaginably greater than our current pain.

   God sees the whole picture – we see only a small part.

   Practical Application:

   When we go through difficult times, we can remember: the best is yet to come.

   • Suffering is not meaningless, but will one day be overshadowed by God’s glory.

2. God’s Ultimate Promise – A Life Without Suffering (Revelation 21:3–4)

   “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3–4)

   Why Is This So Powerful?

   God will ultimately defeat evil – it will not last forever.

   Every tear, every sorrow, and every injustice will vanish.

   Not only will we be free from suffering, but we will live in direct communion with God.

   Practical Application:

   Our hope is not only that evil will cease, but that we will be in eternal joy and peace with God.

   • This promise gives us comfort in the present and hope for the future.

3. The Love of God – He Granted Us Freedom Despite His Own Suffering

   Jesus knew that our freedom would lead Him to the cross – and yet He did not withhold it from us.

   Love is only genuine when it is free. Jesus could have created us without free will, but then our relationship with Him would be meaningless.

   • He chose the path of suffering so that we might have the choice to love Him and spend eternity with Him.

   • The cross shows that God is not distant from suffering – He Himself bore the greatest suffering to save us.

   Why Is This Important?

   Because it shows how precious we are in God’s eyes.

   Because it demonstrates that love always involves sacrifice – and Jesus was willing to make that sacrifice.

   Because in times of suffering, we can know that our God understands pain and will not leave us alone.

Conclusion: Why Can We Trust in God’s Goodness Despite Evil?
1⃣ Our suffering is not the end – God’s glory is coming.
2⃣ God will ultimately defeat evil – every tear will be wiped away.
3⃣ Jesus Himself suffered to give us freedom and eternal life.
This promise gives us strength even in dark times:
Evil is only temporary – God’s love and His future for us are eternal.

How can the fact that God grants us free will prevent us from thinking that everything that happens is God’s will?

Some people believe that everything that happens is God’s will – but the Bible shows us that this is not so. God created us with free will, and that free will means that not everything that happens in the world is directly willed or caused by God.

1. Free Will Means Genuine Responsibility

   God has given humanity the ability to make our own decisions – for both good and evil.

   Genesis 2:16–17 – Adam and Eve had the choice to obey or disobey God.

   Deuteronomy 30:19 – “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life…”

   Joshua 24:15 – “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.”

   Not every decision is God’s will – often, it is the result of human choice.

   Practical Application:

   When people do evil, it is not God’s fault – it is the consequence of free will.

   • God does not force us to do good; He invites us to choose Him willingly.

2. God Allows, But Does Not Cause Everything

   There are things that God permits because He respects our free will – but that does not mean that He wills or endorses them.

   Matthew 23:37:

   Jesus wept over Jerusalem because the people rejected Him—even though He wanted to save them.

   This shows: God’s will is for good, but people choose otherwise.

   Ezekiel 33:11:

   “I do not take pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.”

   God does not want people to perish – but they have the choice.

3. Distinguishing Between God’s Sovereign Will and the Consequences of Freedom

   God’s will is expressed in two aspects:

   1⃣ His sovereign will – the things He has determined (e.g., redemption through Jesus).

   2⃣ His permitted will – the things He allows because people have free choice.

   Not everything that happens is God’s will – but nothing escapes His control.

4. Why Is This Understanding Important?

   If we think that everything is God’s will:

   We might passively accept injustice (“It was simply God’s plan.”)

   • We would not hold people accountable for their actions.

   • We might associate evil with God – even though He hates it.

   If we understand that not everything is God’s will:

   • We see that we share responsibility for our lives.

   • We recognize that God fights against evil, not causes it.

   • We have the hope that God will one day put an end to evil (Revelation 21:4).

Conclusion: Free Will Protects Us from a Fatalistic Faith
1⃣ Not everything that happens is God’s will – it is often the result of human decisions.
2⃣ God permits evil, but He does not cause it.
3⃣ Our responsibility is to use our free will for good and choose God’s ways.
Free will means that our decisions matter – and that God’s will is not always manifested in what people do, but in what He offers us: life, love, and grace.

The relationship between love, free will, and evil is not only a theological question – it affects our daily lives and our faith in very practical ways. How do we deal with suffering? Why are we struck by injustice? Why does God not immediately intervene? These questions accompany us throughout our daily lives.

1. Free Will Means Genuine Responsibility in Our Lives

   Every day we make decisions – some small, others with profound consequences. God does not force us to do good; He gives us the freedom to choose.

   Practical Application:

   Our words and actions have impacts – we are responsible for what we do.

   Choosing to do good is not always easy, but it demonstrates our love for God and for others.

   Wrong decisions are not God’s fault; they are the result of our free will – yet He offers forgiveness and a new beginning.

   Daily Question:

   How do I use my free will? Do I make conscious decisions for good?

2. Why Does God Allow Evil? – Our Perspective in Times of Crisis

   Sometimes we ask: Why does God not immediately prevent suffering? Yet the Bible teaches us that God has a larger plan, even if we cannot see it.

   Romans 8:18:

   “For I am convinced that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

   What Does This Mean for Our Faith?

   Our sufferings are real, but they are not the end – God’s glory is coming.

   Evil will not endure forever – Revelation 21:4 promises a future without pain or sorrow.

   God has everything under control, even if it is not visible to us.

   Practical Application:

   In times of suffering, we may hold on to God’s promises: the best is yet to come.

   • Our faith grows when we understand that God’s timetable is greater than our current understanding.

3. Why Is Love Meaningless Without Freedom? – Relationships in Daily Life

   God could have forced us to love Him – but then our relationship with Him would not be genuine. This also applies to our interpersonal relationships.

   Practical Application:

   True love is shown through freedom, trust, and mutual respect.

   Parents can educate their children, but they cannot force them to love or believe – that must be a free choice.

   Relationships flourish when we are there for one another out of love rather than obligation.

   Daily Question:

   Do I allow others the freedom to make their own choices, just as God does?

What Does This Mean for Our Faith? – Hope and Trust in God’s Plan
There are many questions we still cannot answer—but God has shown us enough to trust Him.
We have the choice to follow Him or not – but He does not force us.
We can choose to hold fast to God’s love despite suffering and pain.
We know that evil does not have the final word – God will turn everything to good.
Conclusion:
Every day is a new opportunity to use our free will for good.
• Suffering is real, but it is not the end – God’s plan will prevail.
• True love exists only in freedom – God invites us to trust Him voluntarily.
Our lives are a daily decision for or against God – and in that decision, genuine love is revealed.

True love can only exist in freedom – God invites us to choose Him freely and to trust Him, even when we do not understand everything.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-the-problem-of-evil-7-5-love-and-evil-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

February 13, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 2 Timothy Chapter 2

¹ Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

² And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

³ Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

⁴ No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

⁵ And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

⁶ The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

⁷ Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

⁸ Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

⁹ Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

¹⁰ Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

¹¹ It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

¹² If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

¹³ If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

¹⁴ Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

¹⁵ Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

¹⁶ But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

¹⁷ And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

¹⁸ Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

¹⁹ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

²⁰ But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

²¹ If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

²² Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

²³ But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

²⁴ And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

²⁵ In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

²⁶ And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

The Second Epistle to Timothy is a moving legacy from the Apostle Paul, written from imprisonment shortly before his martyrdom. In chapter 2, Paul encourages his spiritual son Timothy to remain strong in the grace of Christ, to endure suffering, and to face the spiritual battle as a faithful servant of God. Using vivid images—of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer—he illustrates the necessity of discipline, endurance, and loyalty. At the same time, he warns against destructive disputes and false teachings that endanger people’s faith. This chapter calls us to lead a purified, godly life and to pass on the truth with love and patience.

Commentary:

Paul shows in this chapter that a life in Christ brings its challenges. He uses the image of a soldier who does not get entangled in everyday matters but devotes himself entirely to service. This teaches us to focus on God’s calling without being distracted by worldly temptations. He also emphasizes that the spiritual battle may involve suffering, but that true victory is achieved through faithfulness and perseverance.

Another central message is the warning against fruitless disputes and false teachings. Paul encourages Timothy to proclaim the gospel clearly and to steer clear of quarrels and idle chatter. This admonition is just as relevant today, as unnecessary debates often create division rather than spiritual progress. Instead, a servant of God should win others over through patience, kindness, and gentleness.

Ultimately, Paul highlights God’s sovereign authority: although people can be unfaithful, Christ remains faithful. This provides hope and assurance that God’s Word can never be bound or overcome.

Summary:

2 Timothy 2 is a call to spiritual steadfastness, discipline, and loyalty in the faith. Paul urges Timothy to prove himself as a faithful servant of Christ, to endure suffering, and not to get caught up in disputes. He warns against false teachings and emphasizes the importance of a sanctified life. The central message is: Whoever suffers with Christ will also reign with Him. God’s truth endures, and His Word cannot be bound. Whoever serves Him should do so with love, patience, and integrity, leading others to the knowledge of the truth.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 4—Confession
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

The confession of sins is a fundamental component of the Christian faith. Without genuine repentance and humility, man remains separated from God. Proverbs 28:13 makes it clear that only those who confess their transgressions and forsake them will experience mercy. But what does true confession of sin really mean?

In this chapter, it is explained that genuine repentance is not achieved through external rituals or acts of penance, but through a sincere heart that humbles itself before God. It is not enough to confess our sins superficially or to make excuses—we must take responsibility for our actions. The Holy Scriptures show us that God is ready to forgive when our confession is accompanied by honesty and a commitment to change.

Commentary

The Conditions for Forgiveness (Proverbs 28:13):
God sets clear conditions for the forgiveness of sins: a sincere confession and a real turning away from sin. There are no shortcuts through human works or rituals—forgiveness comes solely from God’s grace when we are willing to submit to Him completely.

Confession before God and Men (James 5:16):
While sins must always be confessed before God, there are also instances where we should apologize to others. Whoever has wronged another should offer a direct apology before asking God for forgiveness. This demonstrates that confession is not only a spiritual matter but also has an interpersonal dimension.

The Problem of False Repentance:
Often, people try to justify or downplay their guilt. Even Adam and Eve shifted their blame onto others (Genesis 3:12-13). True repentance, however, requires that we openly and honestly acknowledge our sins without making excuses or engaging in self-justification.

Biblical Examples of Genuine Confession:
Paul serves as an example of sincere repentance. He did not hide his past misdeeds; instead, he openly confessed how he had persecuted Christians (Acts 26:10-11). This shows that true confession of sin is not just lip service, but a profound awareness of one’s own wrongdoing and a desire for transformation.

The Power of Forgiveness (1 John 1:9):
God is faithful and just. When we confess our sins, He forgives us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. This assures us that no one has fallen so far that they cannot be restored through God’s grace.

Summary

The confession of sins is the key to forgiveness and the restoration of our relationship with God. Those who hide or justify their guilt remain in spiritual darkness. But those who come to God with a sincere heart will receive mercy.

This chapter shows us that true repentance is not about empty words or superficial confessions, but about a deep awareness of our own guilt and a desire for a transformed life. It encourages us not only to confess our sins to God but—if necessary—to also acknowledge them to our fellow human beings.

The Bible gives us a firm promise: God will forgive us when we come to Him honestly. This is the great hope and comfort for all who seek genuine reconciliation with God.

 *  *  *  *  *

Five Essential Principles for a Sincere Confession and the Acceptance of Divine Forgiveness:

1.Forgiveness Through Sincere Confession
Whoever sincerely confesses their sins and forsakes them receives God’s mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

2.Confession Before God and Men
Sins should be confessed before God, while interpersonal faults must also be acknowledged to those affected (James 5:16).

3.No Room for Excuses
True repentance means taking responsibility for one’s guilt without making excuses or shifting blame onto others (Genesis 3:12-13).

4.The Example of the Israelites and Paul
The Israelites acknowledged their sin and confessed it publicly (1 Samuel 12:19). Paul did not hide his past but spoke openly about his transgressions (Acts 26:10-11).

5.God’s Promise of Forgiveness
Whoever comes with a sincere heart will receive forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). God is faithful and just, and He forgives all who honestly confess their guilt.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/13-02-2025-2-timothy-chapter-2-believe-his-prophets/