Realization #07: God does not “test” sentient Beings or cause us pain.
God is not the entity that causes us pain, my Friends, but rather the Essence of Love that gives us strength during all times of trial and tribulation (“But the Lord is Faithful; he will Strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:3). God wishes no one ill, but rather desires that all conscious beings choose the Peace-full path of perfect Love (“Lead a quiet and peaceable Life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and acceptable in the sight of God, who desires everyone to be Saved and to come to the Knowledge of the Truth.” ~ 1 Timothy 2:2-4 … “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but rather all to come to repentance.” ~ 2 Peter 3:9).
Yes, evil exists — and yes, every one of us is continually inflicted with pain and confusion over the course of our lives. And yet, if we choose to turn our trials into challenges (instead of suffering self-centeredly), our hardships can empower us to Love perfectly and thereby attain the bliss of Salvation …
“Let those suffering in accordance with God’s Will entrust themselves to a loving Creator, and continue to Do Good.” ~ 1 Peter 4:19
One thing seems certain, God is not the force behind our tribulations, but rather the all-loving Power that supports us continually while we struggle with life’s painful obstacles …
“And after you have suffered, the God of all Grace, who has Called us to his Glory, will support, strengthen and establish You.” ~ 1 Peter 5:10
Yes, hardships exist – indeed, there is no escaping them in this life. And yet this truth does not deny the fact that God is still forgiving of us and that He always Loves us anyway … “Blessed be the God and Father … the Father of mercies and God of all consolation, who consoles us all in our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are themselves afflicted” ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
God is perfectly just and, because of His innate righteousness, it must become clear to all believers that anything that is unjust (or in any way not perfectly Loving) does not come from God (“His works are perfect and all His ways are just.” ~ Deuteronomy 32:4) … And because perfect Justice is all-loving Forgiveness (see Realization #05 above), it must also become clear that God is not the entity inflicting us with our life’s “tests” – but rather it is we who inflict them upon ourselves …
“Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven [by God] every sin and blasphemy, but them blaspheming against [their own] Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven.” ~ Matthew 12:31 … “Happy is the one who listens to Me … For whoever finds Me finds Life and obtains favor; but those who miss Me injure themselves” ~ Proverbs 8:34-36).
Thus, no matter how many mistakes we might make and no matter how many painful consequences we then reap from those mistakes, God is always there, holding us close with Love – waiting patiently for us to repent by making more Caring choices in the future …
“But law came, with the result that trespasses multiplied; but even where sin increased, Grace abounded all the more …” ~ Romans 5:20
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