Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
Summary: “Wrath” is another one of those words that mean different things, depending on the situation. Understanding God’s wrath is different from human wrath helps us make sense of scriptures about wrath.
The idea of God being a “loving God” and, at the same time, a God of wrath, sounds contradictory. “Wrath” is a strong word. For me, the word brings up images of someone strong and powerful who is in a violent rage.
Is that unfair?
Is it wrong to think of God as angry?
Last weekend our four grandkids were over with Grandma and Grandpa. It was a great time, and we had a lot of fun. All four are close in age, and being young, they love to play. Sometimes rough play leads to getting a stern word from Grandpa.
“Don’t jump on the furniture!”
“Give that toy back to your sister!”
Most of the time though, the kids are really good. They laugh and play well together.
And then there was the ride home.
Grandpa has talked to them before about acting up in the car. I even space them out in the car as much as possible.
Driving them home Sunday, we traveled a wet and busy freeway for a while. Traffic was intense, and the rain made driving that much more challenging. And then the kids started having too much fun.
Too much fun is getting too loud, getting in each other’s space, and distracting the driver. The noise quickly built to a crescendo and then kept getting louder. Finally, Grandpa barked, “KNOCK IT OFF!”
Everything went quiet…
After we left the freeway, I pulled off the road and stopped the car. Getting out, I went to the back door and opened it so I could talk to the kids. My face was, no doubt, angry. So was my voice. If something happened to them, I would not be able to live with myself, so I let them know I was angry, but … I made sure they knew it was because I love them.
Weird, isn’t it?
If I didn’t care, I wouldn’t have bothered.
Anger isn’t always about hate. Anger can be a love thing, too. Anger is an emotion that bubbles to the surface for different reasons. It can bubble to the surface because we are not getting our way (bad anger), or it can bubble to the surface as a warning to someone you love (good anger).
God loves us all and wants us to come to a “knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-6). God knows that if we do not accept the lifeline he has thrown us, if we don’t accept his Son Jesus as Lord, we are doomed (Romans 6:23, Proverbs 10:16). God’s wrath is always the “good kind.” He is always loving, even when angry. Wrath from God is an incentive to repent. God’s children are, in many ways, children of wrath.
Application: It is hard, but important, to separate God’s wrath from flawed human examples of “bad anger.”
Food for Thought: What is it about our “nature” that deserves God’s wrath?
What is it about our “nature” that deserves God’s wrath?
I can only think of one culmination of my nature that invokes the wrath of God: my disobedience. Yes, even though I have accepted the gift of life from Christ, I am still disobedient at times. The good news is I am spared from the eternal wrath of God, having been justified through Christ in my faith of His promise. Just as your grandchildren are given censure in love, I am given stern understanding of the nature of my sinful actions, but also given grace and instruction, so I grow in and with Him.
I can have no other emotion for this other than gratitude and humility.
I believe it pains God greatly to be separated from His creation. Our sin separates us from His presence.
The desire of my heart is not to cause Him that pain or wrath, for me, and my neighbor.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Chris,
I love the connection between God’s forgiveness, patience, and grace and our gratitude. The Isaiah 41 passage is a wonderful encouragement. Thank you!
03-31-2023, What is it about our “nature” that deserves God’s wrath?
All mankind is fully aware of God and His righteousness. The nature of man, our flesh is to disregard what we know to be true and live our lives within the ever-changing standards we establish for ourselves as well as influence as many people as possible as we rush into the flames.
Romans 1:20-21
20 from the creation of the world the power of God has been clearly seen, and understood by men, including His eternal power and Godhead; so that we are without excuse: 21 Because, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
As we look around, we see how the majority of mankind is choosing to live their lives, we see what mankind elevates as they choose to condemn God as being too restrictive, according to their standards. Historically, mankind has chosen insanity over God’s righteousness. God has allowed all to make their own choice because of the remaining righteous remnant, when the nature of mankind reaches a level of evil foreknown by God, the world will see the wrath of God as He comes to judge.
Keep the faith, pray and allow God to demonstrate His genuine love for all mankind through us as we remain here.
Ron,
Thank you!
The Romans 1:20 passage is a challenge, of sorts, because so many people appear not to get it. Yet, as Jesus pointed out, Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). So if a person goes down the path of following Satan, they are buying into a world of lies. The First Lie has to be that there is no God, because that is the lie that unlocks all the other lies.
Totally agree. There was a time when I did not understand anything in the Bible, still limited.
But God nudged me, more and more assertively over time, and at the end totally opened my eyes to sin, righteousness, and coming judgement. There was no question who I was, where I was headed, why, and what I needed to do.
I now definitely understand John 16:8:13, and know deep in my heart all are being convicted just as I was. Gently becomes a 2×4 across the head to get our attention. God truly does not want anyone to receive eternal separation, but He has chosen to make this a matter of a personal “Informed” choice.
God in me is not against those who choose to remain blind, He simply opens my eyes to them, and He will minister wherever He chooses. Has been a wonderful life.
Blessings Brother!
Ron
Great illustration in the devotion today. I liked that a lot and may borrow it at some point😊.
To the question, one could flip it and say, “what is it about our nature that does not deserve God’s wrath?” Or “What is it about God’s nature that makes us deserving of wrath?”
Our sin is an affront to God’s holy nature and we are rebelling against who He is and who He is to be in our lives. As you say, the wrath will hopefully lead to repentance and life.
Thanks, Rich!
You are most welcome to use anything here, any time. I guarantee, if you do, I’ll be smiling! 🙂