“If God was truly loving, how could God let (xyz atrocity) happen?”
It’s the age-old question. A question that I, no doubt, have been plagued by time and time again. And one that I think it’s worth reflecting on. Because here’s the counter-question…
Since when has love ever been about control?
Sure, I can micromanage my kid’s life. I can try to keep her in a bubble away from all the harm I can perceive.
But being a helicopter dad is different than being a loving father.
I think moms get this more than dads. Mothers know, from the start, that being a mother is about letting go. On day one of becoming a mother, their child leaves their body and continues the journey through infancy, childhood, adolescence, teenage years, and adulthood away from them. Control is a real urge, no doubt. It might be wrapped up in the emotion of love. But it is not the same thing as love.
God is a God of grace, not force.
Unconditional godly grace is, by definition, irresistible. This is different than being forceful. When we describe someone as ‘forceful,’ it’s hardly ever a compliment. It’s threatening and violent. Especially if we’re on the opposing end of such force. And even if we’re the ones under forceful protection, there’s always the possibility that the force will turn on us.
But grace is irresistible. When we call someone ‘irresistible,’ it’s a compliment. It means they’re utterly captivating. They make our hearts sing, and our toes tingle. It’s like falling in love.
If we’re in a forceful and controlling relationship out of fear and toxic obligation, someone might ask, “So, are you free to leave them?” To this, we’d probably respond, “Not really. I want to, but I’m scared to. Maybe I should just stay to see if they change.”
But if, when we’re falling in love, we were asked the same thing, we’d probably reply, “Well, yeah. I can leave. But why would I want to?”
God’s love is not forceful.
It’s irresistible.
Yes! Amen! 🙌 ❤️