6.6 Summary
God’s Love for Justice – An Inseparable Divine Principle

God’s love and justice are inextricably linked. He is perfect in His love and perfect in His justice – the two do not contradict each other but complement each other in perfect harmony. His reign is based on these two pillars, and He calls us to act according to these divine principles in our lives.

1. God’s Love Is Just – God’s Justice Is Loving

   God loves justice and actively demands it (Psalm 33:5; Isaiah 61:8).

   • His love and justice do not exclude one another but are inseparably united (Psalm 85:10).

   • True love demands justice, and true justice is imbued with love.

   Application: As Christians, we are called to harmonize love and justice – by acting mercifully while also standing up for truth and righteousness.

2. God Is Perfectly Good and Just

   God’s nature is faithful, true, and just (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 92:16).

   • He never does wrong and judges all people with absolute justice.

   • His justice is hope for the afflicted, for it brings salvation and restoration.

   Application: In a world full of injustice, we may trust that God has the final say. Our task is to reflect His nature and stand up for justice.

3. God’s Nature Remains Unchanging

   God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17).

   • His faithfulness, justice, and love remain unchanged – we can rely on that.

   • Although God is unchanging, He enters into a real, living relationship with us and responds to our behavior.

   Application: Our trust in God can be unshakeable because He does not change. We are to imitate Him by acting in loyalty and consistency.

4. A God Who “Repents”?

   God makes no mistakes, but He is merciful and responds to our decisions.

   • When people change, God’s actions can change as well – but always in accordance with His justice and love (Jonah 3:10; Jeremiah 18:4–10).

   • He listens to prayer and bestows grace when we turn to Him.

   Application: Our prayers matter. God invites us to live in a genuine relationship with Him and to turn to Him repeatedly.

5. Cling to Love and Justice

   We are to reflect God’s love and justice in our lives (Hosea 12:7).

   • Jesus calls us to even love our enemies – just as God bestows His love unconditionally. (Matthew 5:43–48).

   • In the end, God will ensure perfect justice – in this we may trust (Romans 2:5; Revelation 15:3–4).

   Application: Our lives should be a praise to God by actively striving for justice, practicing love, and trusting Him in all things.

Conclusion: Live in Love and Justice
God’s love and justice are the foundation of His being and His reign. He calls us to live according to His example – in faithfulness, love, and justice.
• Trust that God is perfectly just and that He keeps His promises.
• Live according to His principles – with mercy, but also with truthfulness.
• Cling to God even in difficult times – for He will turn everything to good in the end.
Let God’s love and justice become visible in your life – in your behavior, your decisions, and your interactions with others.

The realization that God’s love and justice are inseparably linked has a direct impact on our daily lives and our faith. It changes the way we live with God, interact with others, and shape the world around us.

1. Reflecting God’s Love and Justice in Our Character

   God’s love is not a mere emotion but an active, righteous love. If we want to live according to His example, we must integrate both love and justice into our actions.

   In Daily Life, This Means:

   Treating others not only kindly but also doing good actively.

   • Showing mercy as well as standing up for what is right.

   • Being just in our decisions – whether at work, in the family, or among friends.

   Example: Stand up for fairness and truth in your surroundings, even when it is uncomfortable. Be patient and merciful with others, but still hold fast to divine principles.

2. Trusting in God’s Justice in Difficult Times

   There are many moments in life when we are confronted with injustice – be it through personal disappointments, suffering, or societal wrongs. Yet the Bible assures us: God sees all and will one day establish perfect justice.

   In Daily Life, This Means:

   Not harboring bitterness or thoughts of revenge, but trusting God.

   • Not being overwhelmed by injustice but actively living by God’s standards.

   • Being patient and knowing that God’s justice will prevail in the end.

   Example: If you are treated unfairly or see injustice in your environment, do not let anger guide you; trust in God – and stand up for what is right with love.

3. God’s Faithfulness as the Anchor of Our Faith

   God remains faithful, no matter what happens. He does not change; His love is constant, and His justice is steadfast. This assurance gives us security even when we go through difficult times.

   In Daily Life, This Means:

   Trusting God even when circumstances are uncertain.

   • Taking God’s promises seriously and not being overwhelmed by worries.

   • Not making our faith dependent on external circumstances.

   Example: When you face challenges in life – whether financial, health-related, or family issues – remember that God does not abandon you. Stay in prayer, hold fast to His promises, and trust that He will carry you through.

4. A Life of Praise Through Love and Justice

   Praise is not only a song in worship – our entire life can be a praise to God if we live out His love and justice daily.

   In Daily Life, This Means:

   Not only talking about God but showing His character through our actions.

   • Practicing love even when it costs us something.

   • Living out justice even when it is uncomfortable.

   Example: Be a role model of God’s love in your family, your community, and your workplace. Forgive where others hate. Help where others turn away. Stand up for the truth where injustice occurs.

Conclusion: Love and Justice as a Lifestyle
God’s love and justice are not merely theological concepts – they are a call to action. If we truly want to live in the image of God, we must pass on His love and simultaneously stand up for justice.
• Trust that God is just – even when life sometimes seems unjust.
• Actively live out love and justice – not just in words, but in concrete actions.
• Cling to God no matter what happens – He remains faithful and will ultimately set everything right.
Question for Daily Life: Where can you practically implement love and justice today? Let your life be a testimony to God’s character!

True love is manifested in justice – and true justice is characterized by love.

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

February 7, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Timothy Chapter 2

¹ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

⁴ Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

⁵ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

⁶ Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

⁷ Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

⁸ I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

⁹ In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

¹⁰ But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

¹¹ Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

¹² But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

¹³ For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

¹⁴ And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

¹⁵ Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

In the second chapter of the First Epistle to Timothy, Paul encourages the congregation to lead a life of prayer that extends to all people—especially those in positions of authority. This chapter emphasizes the importance of a peaceful, godly life based on the knowledge of the truth in Jesus Christ. At the same time, Paul provides instructions regarding the conduct of men and women during worship. These statements must be understood within their cultural and theological context and offer a deeper reflection on the role of prayer, humility, and order within the congregation.

Commentary

This chapter underscores several central themes:

The Importance of Prayer for All People
Paul exhorts believers to pray for all people, especially for those in authority (verses 1-2). This demonstrates that the congregation does not live in isolation from the world, but is actively called to pray for peace, order, and divine guidance. It serves as a reminder that God’s will is the salvation of all people (verse 4).

Christ as the Only Mediator
In verse 5, the uniqueness of Christ as the mediator between God and humanity is emphasized. This makes it clear that salvation does not occur through human works or religious systems, but solely through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The Conduct of Men and Women in Worship
Paul discusses the role of men in prayer and the proper conduct of women during worship (verses 8-15). While some of these instructions are culturally influenced, the core message is one of a humble and god-fearing lifestyle. The statements regarding the role of women in the congregation are historically controversial and should be considered in the context of the time and the overall theological message.

Summary

1 Timothy 2 calls on the congregation to pray for all people and emphasizes Christ as the only mediator between God and humanity. It teaches the importance of a calm, god-fearing life and provides instructions for conduct during worship. While some sections, particularly regarding the role of women, present cultural challenges, the central message remains universal: God desires that all people come to the knowledge of the truth and live in peace, faith, and sanctification.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 3—Repentance
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

Repentance is the first step toward true conversion and reconciliation with God. But what does genuine repentance mean? Is it merely a fear of the consequences of sin, or is it a profound turning away from it? The Bible shows us that true repentance is not only the acknowledgment of our faults but also an inner transformation that leads us to Christ. Many wonder how they can come into alignment with God. The answer is: through sincere repentance and the acceptance of God’s grace. In this chapter, we recognize that genuine repentance does not come from ourselves, but is the work of the Holy Spirit who convicts our hearts and draws us to Christ.

Commentary

The Bible distinguishes between genuine and false repentance. False repentance is often evident in people who fear the consequences of their sin but do not hate the sin itself. Examples of this are Esau, Balaam, Judas, and Pharaoh – each of them repented of their actions, but not from a change of heart, rather out of fear of punishment.

True repentance, on the other hand, is a deep recognition of the sinfulness of one’s own life and a sincere desire for change. King David is an example of true repentance: he recognized his guilt, sought God’s forgiveness, and asked not only for cleansing but for a new heart and a renewed spirit (Psalm 51).

This true repentance cannot be achieved by human effort alone. It is Christ who leads us to repentance. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and shows us the righteousness of Christ. Those who become aware of the love and suffering of Jesus are moved to conversion. Only through Christ’s work on the cross can we recognize our sinful nature and develop a sincere desire for change.

Many people mistakenly believe that they must first repent before they can come to Christ. Yet the Bible teaches that Christ himself grants us repentance. Without him, we are not capable of truly regretting our sin or turning away from it. Therefore, Jesus calls, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Another obstacle to true repentance is self-righteousness. Many believe that they are not as sinful as others and therefore do not need a profound conversion. But it is precisely pride and self-deception that separate us from God. The Bible shows that even small sins can have serious consequences – even the disobedience of Adam and Eve led to suffering and death in the world.

The chapter concludes with an urgent warning: whoever repeatedly rejects God’s invitation to convert hardens their heart. The best time for repentance is now – for every delay can cause the heart to become increasingly unresponsive to God’s voice.

Summary

1.False and True Repentance – Genuine repentance does not mean fearing the consequences of sin, but hating the sin itself.

2.The Work of the Holy Spirit – Repentance is not a human achievement but the work of God. The Holy Spirit convicts us and draws us to Christ.

3.The Cross as the Key to Repentance – Whoever recognizes the suffering and love of Christ will be moved to conversion. God’s goodness leads us to repentance.

4.The Danger of Procrastination – Those who delay their conversion harden their hearts and risk missing out on God’s grace.

This chapter urgently calls us to true repentance—not out of fear of punishment, but out of love for God. Whoever recognizes and repents of their sin has the door wide open to forgiveness and renewal.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/07-02-2025-1-timothy-chapter-2-believe-his-prophets/