God’s Love and Justice (Lesson 6) God’s Love of Justice
WHEN YOU THINK YOU HAVE GONE TOO FAR TO TURN AROUND
Have you ever felt like you’ve gone too far—like you’ve messed up so badly that there’s no way out?
What if I told you that God’s love and mercy run so deep that He is willing to change His course?
What does it mean in the Bible when it says God repents or relents? (Pause)
Welcome back to our series on: God’s Love and Justice.
God is love, and how we understand it affects our relationship with God.
Misunderstandings about God’s love can lead to feelings of unworthiness, which can harm our relationships with Him and even others.
His love is far greater than the defective idea of “love” we think of today.
Defective love leads to sin and sinning, which requires that we repent and turn away from sin.
God also repents, but not in the same sense as humans.
Here, we look at God’s love and justice and what it means when the Bible says God repents or relents.
But, before we begin, let’s Pray.
God’s Love and Justice
(Lesson 6)
God’s Love of Justice
Part 1 Introduction
God is the only one who is constant. He never changes. He is always kind, loving, fair, and just.
For this, we have reason to glory. The ancient world of the Near East was filled with fear, confusion, and darkness because of the “gods” people worshiped. These tribal deities were fickle, immoral, and unpredictable. (Pauser)
They demanded terrible things, like child sacrifices, and even after such horrifying acts, people still couldn’t be sure they had earned the god’s favor.
Thus, they lived in constant fear of angering these gods, who seemed to thrive on cruelty and chaos. (Pauser)
Deuteronomy 32:17 says: “They sacrificed to demons, not to God—to gods they had not known, to new gods that had recently appeared, gods your ancestors did not fear.” (Deuteronomy 32:17) (Pausr)
Paul reaffirms this in 1 Corinthians 10:20-21, stating that the things people sacrificed to false gods were actually sacrifices to demons, not to God.
20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.
21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. (1 Corinthians 10:20-21)
These so-called gods were not just imaginary—they were demonic forces exploiting the people, trapping them in spiritual and moral darkness.
In sharp contrast, the God of the Bible, Yahweh, is completely different. He is perfectly good, holy, and unchanging.
His love and goodness are constant, and we can always count on Him. He is not like the false gods, who demand cruel acts and leave people in fear and confusion.
Instead, Yahweh brings light, hope, and truth.
Yahweh’s concern for people is clear. He deeply cares about the things that hurt us—evil, suffering, injustice, and oppression.
Unlike the ancient gods, who didn’t care about right and wrong, Yahweh constantly condemns these things. He sees the pain and injustice in the world, and He promises to end them.
Even today, people might not bow to statues or sacrifice children, but modern “gods” like money, power, and success can still lead people into darkness.
These false gods promise happiness but only leave emptiness, fear, and confusion.
Yahweh is the only God who offers real hope—both for today and for eternity.
Nevertheless, though God is a God of love, He is also a God of justice. (Pauser)
On one hand, it says: God is love. Like rays of light from the sun, love and light and joy flow out from Him to all His creatures. It is His nature to give. His very life is the outflow of unselfish love.—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp. 76, 77.
On the other hand, it says: And yet, in this our day, when men and women have so many opportunities for becoming familiar with the divine law as revealed in His Holy Word, the great Ruler of the universe cannot behold with any satisfaction the wicked cities, where reign violence and crime. The end of God’s forbearance with those who persist in disobedience is approaching rapidly.—Prophets and Kings, p. 275.
How can a God of love carry out justice? How can these two concepts, love and justice, be reconciled?
To gain some insight,
Read: Psalm 33:5, Isaiah 61:8, Jeremiah 9:24, Psalm 85:10, and Psalm 89:14.
Then continue to Part 2: Love and Justice
God’s Love and Justice
(Lesson 6)
God’s Love of Justice
Part 2: Grieved by Evil
Throughout the Bible, love and justice are inseparable. True love demands justice, and true justice must always be guided by love.
Yet, because humans have twisted both love and justice, it’s hard to imagine how these two can truly coexist.
But in God’s perfect nature, love and justice are not just connected—they are one and the same.
The following scriptures help us better understand God’s concern for justice.
Psalm 33:5: “The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.” (Psalm 33:5)
Isaiah 61:8: “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.” (Isaiah 61:8)
Jeremiah 9:24: “But let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:24)
Psalm 85:10: “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” (Psalm 85:10)
Psalm 89:14:
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” (Psalm 89:14)
These verses show us that God deeply loves justice. His love is not weak or passive. It’s strong and it calls for righteousness to be done.
God is not indifferent to the wrongs in the world. In fact, He stands for justice in a way that no human government ever could. His justice is grounded in His love, and it brings healing, restoration, and fairness.
Because God’s love and justice are inseparable, the prophets in the Bible continually speak out against all forms of injustice—whether it’s corrupt laws, cheating, or the oppression of the poor, the widows, or anyone vulnerable.
God is always concerned with what is right. As Jeremiah 9:24 tells us, God is “exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.”
This is God’s way. His love works through His justice, and His justice is full of love.
Thus, throughout the Bible, those who are faithful to God and even those today look to His judgment as something good.
His judgment means He will punish those who do wrong and hurt others and bring justice and freedom to those who have been treated unfairly.
God’s justice is not about being mean, harsh, or offering cruel punishment; it’s about restoring what’s right.
It is about bringing deliverance to the victims of injustice and oppression.
And for those who have done evil, God’s justice serves as a call to repentance, with the hope that they, too, might be transformed.
In fact, this justice is the foundation of God’s government. God’s moral government is rooted in love.
It is a system that values righteousness and justice, unlike the corrupt governments we see in the world today.
Too often, the powerful use their influence to continue oppression and injustice for their gain. But with God, as Psalm 85:10 says, “mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed” (NKJV).
God’s justice is pure, and it will make all things right.
He, in Micah 6:8 makes it very clear what he expects of us. saying:
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8, NKJV).
In other words, God calls us to reflect His character by seeking justice, showing mercy, and walking humbly with Him.
Justice, mercy, and humility are the pillars of His heart, and they should be ours as well.
If there’s anything about God’s character we should reflect, it is His love. Radiating from his love, we should extend justice and show mercy.
Sadly, human justice is often perverted. In many places, justice is twisted by greed, power, and prejudice.
People are wrongfully imprisoned or denied basic rights because of their race, gender, or social status.
Children go hungry while the rich get richer. Those who speak out for the oppressed are silenced, and the powerful continue to exploit the weak.
These are examples of how human justice fails.
“Every man, woman, and child is God’s property, and has been bought with a price, even with the infinite price of the precious blood of the Son of God. God will not tolerate injustice from man to his fellow-men. He will not pass over oppression and wrong. Men in office cannot permit the practice of injustice and yet be clear from the judgment of God. )
Given these perversions, how can we not cry out for God’s perfect justice to come? We long for the day when God will set all things right. His justice will never be corrupted. It will be perfect, fair, and full of love. And that is the justice we eagerly await.” (“Rule in the Fear of God,” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, October 1, 1895.)
God’s justice is inseparable from His love. He cares deeply about what’s right, and He will one day restore all things.
As His followers, we are called to live out His justice and mercy here on earth.
Thus, we reflect His character by standing up for what’s right, showing mercy, and walking humbly with God, knowing that His perfect justice is coming.
But the Bible talks about God repenting. Does this mean that God is not always good?
Read Deuteronomy 32:4 and Psalm 92:15
Then, View the next segment of this video, Part 3: God is Entirely Good and Righteous
God’s Love and Justice
(Lesson 6)
God’s Love of Justice
Part 3: God is Entirely Good and Righteous
God doesn’t just talk about justice or ask us to live justly. He is the very definition of justice, love, and righteousness.
He perfectly and unwaveringly embodies these traits. Scripture makes it clear: God is entirely holy, faithful, righteous, loving, and good.
He always does what is right, and He never does wrong.
Deuteronomy 32:4 says:
4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He. ( Deuteronomy 32:4)
And Psalm 92:15 says:
15 To declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. (Psalm 92:15)
These verses remind us that God’s character is flawless. His justice is perfect, His truth is unshakable, and His righteousness has no blemish.
Unlike the world around us—where injustice, corruption, and sin are common—God is Rock, solid, and dependable.
Like Psalms 92:15, which declares that “there is no unrighteousness in Him,”
Psalms 25:8 declares that
8 Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way. (Psalms 25:8) (Pauer)
And Psalms 129:4 expresses
4 The Lord is righteous; He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked. (Psalms 129:4)
Zephaniah 3:5 says: “The Lord is righteous in her midst, He will do no unrighteousness. Every morning He brings His justice to light; He never fails, but the unjust knows no shame.” (Zephaniah 3:5) (
Hence, God is consistent, unchanging, and faithful in bringing justice, while the unjust persist in their wrong ways.
God’s actions are motivated by both His wisdom and His love. He knows what is best for everyone, and He works tirelessly to bring about the best outcome for all who trust Him.
The Bible also paints a beautiful picture of God as the perfect judge.
For instance, Psalm 9:7, 8 declares: “But the Lord shall endure forever; He has prepared His throne for judgment. He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.” (Psalm 9:7, 8)
Read also:
Psalm 145:9-17: These verses declare that God is compassionate and kind to all every living thing. They celebrate His faithfulness, righteousness, and mercy.
Therefore, God’s justice is not harsh or cruel. He judges with fairness, compassion, and love. Psalm 5:4 puts it plainly: “For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You.”
Likewise, 1 John 1:5 reminds us: “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.”
God’s goodness and glory are deeply connected. Many people in the world idolize power and use it for selfish purposes.
But God, who is all-powerful, uses His power in ways that are only just and loving.
When Moses asked to see God’s glory in Exodus 33:18-19, God responded by saying,
“I will make all My goodness pass before you.”
God’s glory is reflected in His character—goodness, love, and justice. Unlike human rulers who often abuse power, God uses His power to bless, restore, and heal.
Why, then, does God relent or repent? Is not repenting an admission of wrongdoing?
Read Malachi 3:6 and James 1:17.
Then continue to the next segment of this video, Part 4: God’s Changeless Character
(Lesson 6)
God’s Love of Justice
Part 4: God’s Changeless Character
Sometimes, life can be so unpredictable, even unstable. People change, situations change, and it’s hard to know who or what to count on.
But let me tell you something—there’s one thing you can count on every single day of your life: God’s character never changes.
Malachi 3:6 tells us, “I am the Lord, I do not change” (Malachi 3:6 NKJV).
What does this imply? Some believe it suggests that God remains unchanged in every way.
However, as you continue reading, it becomes clear that this verse refers to God’s character and His true essence.
God’s moral character does not change.
However, the rest of the verse helps us see that God may change relationally, for God says, “Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob” (Malachi 3:6).
God’s love and mercy keep us going. He doesn’t give up on us, even when we mess up.
In the very next verse, God says, “Return to Me, and I will return to you” (Malachi 3:7, NKJV).
Here’s something powerful: God allows a back-and-forth relationship with us.
He reaches out to us, waits for us to respond, and then draws us close again.
But, through all of this, His love and justice never changes. Through it all, God’s character is constant; it remains the same.
Similarly, James 1:17 tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17 NKJV).
In other words, God is steady. He’s not the source of anything evil, and He’s not unpredictable. He’s the giver of every good and perfect thing in your life.
Thus, the Bible is clear: God’s character doesn’t change. He is always loving, always just, and always holy.
Although we may change, God still interacts with us in a real, personal way.
He listens. He responds. And, through it all, His moral character remains constant. He is morally changeless.
Nevertheless, He can and does enter real relationships with us, and in his relationship with us, He always responds with love and justice.
2 Timothy 2:13 confirms this saying, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself” ( 2 Timothy 2:13 NKJV).
Therefore, even when we fall short, God stays faithful to us. That’s who He is.
Titus 1:2 reminds us that God “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2 NKJV).
Every promise He makes, He keeps. You can trust every word He says.
Hebrews 6:17–18 shows us that God’s promises are rock solid. It says,
“17 Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath,
18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.” (Hebrews 6:17-18)
His promises give us hope and security.
Hebrews 13:8 beautifully summarizes this saying: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (NKJV).
God never changes, never lies, and always keeps His promises.
We can trust that the God of the Bible is the same God who gave Himself for us on the cross through Jesus.
The same Jesus who showed compassion to the hurting, healed the sick, and died for our sins is the same Jesus who watches over us every day.
So, when life feels shaky—when you’re facing heartbreak, loss, or failure—remember this: God is still good. He’s still with you. He is still God, and He will never fail you!
That means you don’t have to wonder if He’ll be there for you tomorrow—He will. The same God who carried you through yesterday will carry you today and tomorrow. Hold onto Him. You can Trust Him. He won’t let you down.
But what about when the Bible says God relents or repents? What does it mean when it says God repents? Does this not indicate that God does change?
Read Exodus 32:14 and compare it with Jeremiah 18:4–10.
Then, continue to the next segment of this video, Part 5: A Repenting God
God’s Love and Justice
(Lesson 6)
God’s Love of Justice
Part 5: A Repenting God
Have you ever felt like you’ve gone too far—like you’ve messed up so badly that there’s no way out?
What if I told you that God’s love and mercy run so deep that He is willing to change course, not because He’s uncertain or unstable, but because He loves us that much?
When humans repent, they recognize and acknowledge they have done something wrong and decide to turn away from it.
Does this mean that when God repents or relents, He did something wrong?
What does the Bible mean when it speaks of God “repenting” or “relenting,” and what does it mean for us?
First, let’s be clear: God’s character never changes. He’s not like us—He doesn’t make mistakes or act on impulse.
But there are parts of Scripture that say God “repents” or “relents.” Can God “repent”? If so, what would that mean for us?
Exodus 32:14 says, “So the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people” (Exodus 32:14 NKJV).
This happened after Moses pleaded with God to spare the Israelites after they sinned by worshiping the golden calf.
Does this mean God changed His mind in the way we might? Not exactly. God responded to Moses’ intercession and chose mercy over judgment.
Thus, God is depicted as relenting of judgment in response to some repentance or intervention.
Now, compare that with Jeremiah 18:4–10. This passage shows God as a potter shaping clay, saying that if a nation turns from its evil, He will turn from the disaster He planned.
God’s willingness to relent isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a demonstration of His mercy.
When we change, God responds because He deeply desires to save and bless His people.
But wait—Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent” (Numbers 23:19 NKJV).
And 1 Samuel 15:29 tells us, “And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor relent. For He is not a man, that He should relent” (1 Samuel 15:29 NKJV).
These verses remind us that God isn’t fickle like us humans. He doesn’t “repent” in the sense of realizing He made a mistake. He never makes mistakes.
God promises that if the people turn from their wickedness, He will turn from the judgment He pronounced on them.
God’s turning from bringing judgment in response to human repentance is a common theme throughout Scripture.
So, how do we put this all together? God doesn’t change His moral character or break His promises.
But He does respond to us in love. When we repent, He relents from judgment.
When we cry out, He listens. His decisions are always guided by His goodness, righteousness, and mercy.
Think about this: God relenting isn’t about Him changing His mind—it’s about Him staying true to His character.
His heart is full of love, and He’s always ready to forgive and restore.
So, what’s the significance of all this? It shows us that God isn’t distant or indifferent.
He enters a real relationship with us. Our choices matter to Him.
When we turn back to Him, it moves His heart.
God relenting doesn’t mean He’s unpredictable. It means He’s compassionate. His mercy is constant, but His responses to us are personal and relational.
God always keeps His promises. While He may change His plans when we repent, He always acts according to His goodness and His Word.
God holds back judgment when we turn to Him because He is good, fair, loving, and full of mercy.
Therefore, God’s willingness to relent shows us just how much He cares. He doesn’t give up on us, even when we fall short.
His mercy is renewed every morning, and He’s always ready to welcome us back. (Pausr)
So, no matter where you are or what you’ve done, know this: God’s arms are open. You can turn to Him, and He’ll meet you with love, mercy, and hope for a new beginning.
How should we respond to God’s love? Matthew 5:43–48
Then, continue to the next segment of this video, Part 6: Hold Fast to Love and Justice
God’s Love and Justice
(Lesson 6)
God’s Love of Justice
Part 6: Hold Fast to Love and Justice
When life feels unfair or overwhelming, it’s easy to question where to place your trust.
But let me tell you something that never changes: God is faithful, good, and loving. No matter what happens, His promises stand, and His love never fails. Scripture paints a beautiful picture of this truth and what it means for us today.
Deuteronomy 7:9 reminds us that: “The Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments” (Deuteronomy 7:9 NKJV).
God is faithful. He doesn’t break His promises, and His mercy flows endlessly to all who love Him.
His faithfulness was shown most clearly through Jesus on the cross.
Romans 3:25–26 tells us that God publicly displayed Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins to show His righteousness and love.
25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,
26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:25–26)
Romans 5:8 adds, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NKJV).
God didn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up—He loved us even while we were still broken and far from Him.
Psalm 100:5 declares, 5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. (Psalm 100:5).
God’s love is unwavering. It’s not just for one moment or one generation—it’s for all time, its for every generation.
Psalm 89:2 puts it this way saying, “For I have said, ‘Mercy shall be built up forever; Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens’ ” (Psalm 89:2 NKJV).
These verses assure us that God’s love and goodness are dependable. God can be trusted. Like a strong foundation, we can build our lives on Him.
James 1:17 adds, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17 NKJV).
God’s gifts are good and perfect because they come from His heart of love.
Even Luke 11:11–13 reminds us that if we, as imperfect people, give good gifts to our children, how much more will God give good things to those who ask Him!
Moreover, He even gives good things to those who place themselves under the banner of His enemies.
Evidence of this is found in Matthew 5:43–48, in which Jesus teaches us to love not just our friends but also our enemies.
He says in Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44 NKJV).
Why? Because that’s how God loves. He does not just love those who love Him; He loves his enemies.
His love is perfect. It doesn’t depend on how we treat Him. He loves everyone, even those who hate Him.
God’s love challenges us to rise above imperfect love, which loves only those who love us back.
God calls us to reflect His perfect love in how we treat others. Just as Hosea 12:6 reminds us to ““ ‘Observe mercy and justice, and wait on your God continually’ ” (Hosea 12:6 NKJV).
Nevertheless, God’s love doesn’t ignore justice. His love brings mercy and justice together.
Psalm 85:10 says it best, “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed” (85:10 NKJV).
And while we experience God’s love and mercy now, there’s a promise of perfect justice to come.
Romans 2:5 says that God’s “righteous judgment will be revealed” (ESV).
One day, all things will be made right.
Revelation 15:3–4 describes a time when the redeemed will sing: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!” (NKJV).
God’s justice will be clear for all to see, and every knee will bow in worship to Him.
Isaiah 25:1 beautifully proclaims, “O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” (NKJV).
Therefore, even in hard times, we can praise God because His plans are faithful, and His love is steadfast.
So, how can we live this out? How can we praise God, even in tough times?
Start by reflecting His love in your life. Show mercy and kindness to those around you. Stand up for justice in your community.
Let your life be a testimony of God’s love and goodness.
God’s love isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we experience and share.
Even when life is hard, His faithfulness never wavers, His justice never fails, and His love never runs out.
Why not live in a way that reflects His perfect love to the world around you.
Trust Him, praise Him, and let your life be a living example of His goodness and mercy.
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