Series THE GOD OF LOVE AND JUSTICE with Pastor Mark Finley  |

Lesson 5.The Wrath of Divine Love  |
When Love Demands Justice   |

God’s wrath is often misunderstood as an expression of arbitrariness or punishment, but the Bible shows that it is deeply rooted in God’s love and justice. God’s wrath is directed solely against evil that harms His creatures and is an expression of His protection and care. His patience and mercy always offer people the chance to repent before He acts justly. However, God’s love ultimately demands that evil be eradicated to allow peace and salvation for all. This lesson invites us to understand God’s wrath in the context of His infinite love and to combine compassion and justice in our own lives.

Memory Text: Psalm 78:38 – “ But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath.”

Content:
5.1 Grieved by Evil
God’s Holy Wrath as an Expression of His Love

God’s wrath springs from His perfect love and deep sense of justice. He does not act arbitrarily against people but against evil that harms His beloved creatures. The recurring cycle of rebellion and divine grace shows that God, despite the severe disobedience of His people, repeatedly responds with patience, mercy, and forgiveness. Psalm 78 clarifies that God’s wrath is never uncontrolled but is an expression of His protective actions on behalf of the oppressed. This understanding helps us recognize our own anger over injustice as a reflection of God’s holy wrath, which arises from His love for the well-being of His creation.

5.2 God is Slow to Anger
Patience and Grace as Expressions of Divine Love

God reveals in His patience and longsuffering a deep, immeasurable love that bestows mercy even when people do not deserve it. The story of Jonah shows how difficult it is for humans to grant this grace even to enemies, while God is willing to forgive even a sinful people like the Ninevites. Jonah’s hardness of heart reveals how quickly people tend to judge, whereas God is always ready to forgive. This divine patience challenges us to show mercy to others as God has shown it to us. However, God’s longsuffering does not mean that He ignores sin but that He gives people time to repent before acting justly. This attitude invites us to be patient, gracious, and just in our dealings with others.

5.3 Righteous Indignation
The Wrath of Love Against Injustice

Justified indignation is a reaction of love against injustice and evil that harms others. Jesus’ actions in the temple show that God’s wrath is never arbitrary but always serves to protect the weak and honor God. Jesus was angry not out of selfishness but because the temple, a place of worship and forgiveness, was being abused for deceit and oppression. Similarly, His indignation over the hard-heartedness of the Pharisees expressed His compassion for the suffering. This divine wrath admonishes us to recognize injustice and courageously oppose it, always with a heart full of love and justice. To avoid disguising selfish anger as justified indignation, we must examine our motives and let God’s love and truth guide us.

5.4 God Does Not Afflict Willingly
His Wrath Serves Justice, Not Punishment

God’s wrath does not stem from a desire to punish people but from His deep love for creation and His pursuit of justice. He allows judgment only when all possibilities for repentance are exhausted, as shown in the example of Jerusalem, which after long disobedience was left to the Babylonians. God’s actions are never arbitrary but a consequence of human decisions, while He also judges excessive cruelty—like that of Babylon. This understanding shows that God’s wrath is always in the service of justice and not out of a desire for punishment. For us, this means being patient and merciful but also courageously standing up for justice and protecting the weak. God’s example teaches us to distinguish between righteous indignation and selfish anger.

5.5 Show Compassion
God’s Mercy as a Model for Our Actions

God’s wrath is not an expression of arbitrariness but a just reaction to the evil that harms His beloved creatures. It arises from His perfect love and ultimately serves the goal of completely eliminating evil to create eternal peace and justice. Since revenge belongs solely to God, we are called to show compassion and trust in His justice. Jesus’ atoning sacrifice saves us from divine wrath and reveals God’s infinite grace. This understanding challenges us to also treat others with mercy and not act out of wounded pride. By understanding God’s patience and forgiveness, we learn to implement compassion and forgiveness in our own lives.

5.6 Summary
Justice from Deepest Mercy

God’s wrath is not arbitrary or vengeful but a just and loving reaction to the evil that harms His creation. This wrath springs from His deep love for people and His desire to restore justice and protect the oppressed. God’s patience and mercy are evident in that He always gives people the opportunity to repent before exercising judgment. However, His love ultimately demands the elimination of evil to create peace and justice for all. Jesus’ atoning sacrifice preserves believers from this just wrath and reveals God’s infinite grace. This divine attitude teaches us to act with compassion, patience, and a just stance towards injustice ourselves.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-god-of-love-and-justice-lesson-5-the-wrath-of-divine-love-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/