A Loving God

I've been following the story of the preacher in TN that was slain by his wife. I have a few personal interests in this story. Not only was this family part of the same church denomination as me, a couple we knew in college and are good friends with actually know this family and went to church with them at one time. I read the story updates on usatoday.com and then once today I read the comments under the story. It was a sobering experience. There was such a mixture of responses that ranged from empathy for the family, to hatred for the church of Christ ("a cult that believes anyone not baptized in a church of Christ is going to hell", said one..ouch. There are some extremely pitiful churches of Christ that do believe that, but the majority of us have been trying to shake off that mislabel for decades now. Although the person that posted may have been thinking of the church of Christ Boston movement that is definitely more cult like and holds firm to that exclusive claim.) Anyway, one of the posts said there is no God because a loving God would never allow those poor children to suffer like this. There is indeed a lot of suffering all over this world. At any moment millions of people are in emotional and/or physical pain. But this has never stopped me from believing in God. What causes most of the pain people experience? Ourselves and other people. Selfishness, hatred, disregard for others causes much pain. Why does God allow it? To not allow it would mean he would have to make us less than human. We could have no choices, if this world were to run like a robotic paradise. What is really loving about God is that he redeemed us to Him even while we were busy making all our horrible choices. He says I love you, no matter how much you've hurt those around you and yourself. No one is condemned that responds to God and accepts His grace and forgiveness. God never promised a life free of pain. It's awfully similar to being a parent. Why in the world would I conceive a child knowing they would suffer at times? I want someone to love and be in relationship with, someone to teach and care for, someone to enjoy and cherish. I know my children will have many choices to make, and I hope and pray that they will make good ones because I love them and want them to be healthy and safe. I know they will mess up sometimes and I know they will be hurt by others. But I also know that the ending is all worked out. As long as my child makes the most important choice- to accept God's grace, then no matter what happens here on earth, they will be with God forever. That is available to everyone. That is love.