Words of Hope: Worldview
I met a devout atheist on a flight recently who loved Christopher Hitchens, a world-famous atheist. Hitchens contracted throat cancer and died denying God. My flight companion asked me what I thought of the “Christian” responses saying Christopher deserved his cancer and that God was punishing him.
I told him I don’t believe God “gave” this man cancer any more than I believe God “gave” my dad cancer. I believe cancer and suffering are part of the suffering of the world.
I also told him that I believe God can do whatever He desires as long as it is not contrary to His nature. God cannot not be God.
God IS Love and scripture is very clear what love is and is not. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love ALWAYS protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. All life, from my point of view, must pass through the lens of the requirements of love.
I think believers gloating over the suffering of their enemies is not faith but self-seeking power, people choosing judgment over mercy.
How can we as followers of Christ be known to the world by our love?
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love. – Psalm 103
