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Is the God of the Bible Mean and Vindictive?
Crossings Family,
So, this morning I was working on this week’s sermon and listening to YouTube videos in the background when I came across a weird video. In the video a lady was being interviewed on the street, and she was arguing that the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament were not the same God. She claimed the God of the Old Testament was mean and vindictive and the God of the New testament was all about love and affirmation.
Now I get it, some people read stories of judgment or wrath from the Old Testament and wonder how that fits with the loving God we meet in Jesus. These questions aren’t just theoretical, they’re deeply personal for many who wrestle with their faith or struggle to reconcile Scripture’s stories with the character of God.
Let’s face the question honestly. The Bible does recount times when God brings judgment on individuals, people groups, or nations because of persistent evil. The flood in Genesis 6-9, the plagues in Egypt, or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah are just a few examples. Why so severe? Why such strong responses?
First, it’s essential to understand who God is. Over and over, the Bible describes Him as “gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 103:8; Exodus 34:6-7). We see His patience stretched over centuries as humanity resists His goodness. He doesn’t delight in judgment, but is long suffering, giving many opportunities for repentance. Even the “hard” stories in Scripture often follow generations of warning, pleading, and opportunity for a better path (think of God’s patience with Israel in Judges or Nineveh in Jonah’s day).
Justice, too, is part of God’s character. We all hunger for justice when we see real evil: violence, oppression, or betrayal. God’s justice is never arbitrary. He judges out of holy love, always weighed with perfect knowledge. Sin, no matter how trivial it appears to us, deeply wounds the world and His people. In fact, His wrath toward sin is a reflection of His deep love for what is true and good. Imagine a parent’s passionate protection of their child: God’s anger toward evil is rooted in His fierce love for His creation.
But here’s the miracle: in Christ, we see that God would rather suffer wrath Himself than pour it out on us. The cross is the place where justice and mercy meet perfectly. Jesus bore the penalty for sin, opening the way for all to receive forgiveness. God is not vindictive. He is self-sacrificing love. 2 Peter 3:9 assures us, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise…but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance.” Even in times of judgment, God’s ultimate goal is always redemption and restoration.
If you’ve struggled with these questions, know that many faithful believers have walked that same road. Don’t keep silent, but let’s wrestle together, with honesty and humility, before the Lord. Remember too that even the harshest stories point forward to hope. The brokenness of this world is not the final chapter. God’s justice and mercy are always leading toward transformation and healing for those who trust in Him.
Church family, may we never minimize the seriousness of sin, but let’s make sure we never portray God as petty, spiteful, or indifferent. The God of the Bible is both mighty and tender, righteous and merciful, and ultimately, He is the God who runs to meet prodigals and welcomes sinners home. Let’s embrace His love, rest in His justice, and invite our community to really know the heart of our God, not as a distant judge, but as a Father with arms open wide.
Pastor Justin |
