Day 6 – Is God Full of Love or Anger? – Julie Earl
Romans 2:4-8
We are studying in Romans chapter 2 and wouldn’t you know such a huge topic of God’s wrath and judgment would pop up on a day when I feel yucky? LOL I will have to be brief, but please study this more for yourself. Here is a site to consider this author’s perspective, and there are many others out there: Is God Angry Every Day
Romans 2:5-8 (NIV) says, “But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant [unchanging] heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God ‘will give to each person according to what he has done.’ To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.”
These verses are talking about a day of God’s wrath. They aren’t saying God is full of wrath and He is angry every day. (See the article I referenced above for more thoughts on that.) On the contrary, in Romans 2:4 Paul tells us that God is kind, patient and tolerant as He leads us toward repentance (turning from our sins to His forgiveness, love and wisdom). God isn’t tolerant in the sense that He tells everyone they can do what they want. He is tolerant in the sense that He is reaching out in love to draw people away from a life of sin. He tolerates their sin, and doesn’t bring judgment yet, because He loves us and wants everyone to be forgiven and to spend eternity with Him.
If you still believe God is full of anger and daily wrath, I would encourage you to look at the heart of Jesus, because when you see the heart of Jesus, you see the heart of the Father. Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9) and “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). Jesus came to earth to reveal who God is! Jesus didn’t attack and hate on people. He didn’t stand on the street corner with “Turn or Burn” signs. He was going into the homes of sinners and speaking the truth in love. He told them again and again to turn from their sins, believe in Him and be saved. He loved them beyond comprehension.
In fact, the few times we see Jesus show anger was toward the Pharisees and religious leaders who were claiming to have the way to God, but were leading everyone astray. They were telling people to get to heaven through their good deeds and obeying hundreds of man-made laws rather than through God’s mercy and forgiveness. But even though He was angry with the Pharisees behaviors and false teaching, He loved the Pharisees very much.
As a parent, I understand how it feels to have a child turn their back on God and His wisdom and love. But even with my limited love, my love for that child far exceeds any anger I feel in regard to the choice to walk in sins that are causing painful consequences and harm. How much greater is God’s love for us? He isn’t just loving, He is LOVE. He can’t be anything but love.
Yes, God is angry at sin and it’s consequences, and He aches for people to understand that walking in His love and wisdom is the only thing that will bring true happiness and joy. He is far more angry about the pain caused by people walking in sinful behaviors and ignoring His advice, than He is angry that they have offended Him. God is love, and love is not easily offended.
God’s love for you far surpasses anything else He feels for you because you are His treasure and His delight!
I pray you know God’s love and the joy of being forgiven of all your sins! It’s a blast walking with God!
Julie Earl