In light of Evil:
Is God Just? 2

Describe the image.

What might be significant?

Notice how this painting depicts the dual nature of Jesus Christ. On his right side, we see him as a man giving a blessing. On his left side, we see him as a divine judge holding a gospel book.

Is divine judgment something to look forward to?

Miroslav Volf, a theologian at Yale Divinity School, experienced the violence in the Balkans as a Croatian. In the September 2001 issue of Christianity Today, Volf writes, “The final judgment is good news, certainly good news to the victims, and also good news to the perpetrators since the judgment will be rendered not only by a just Judge who sees and knows all things but by the judge who has given his life for the salvation of the world. Christ who died on the cross is the same Christ who will sit on the judgment seat and who is going to render the judgment, judgment of justice and of grace" (https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2001/septemberweb-only/9-17-53.0.html).

Within the human heart is the longing for justice which brings about peace. Is the thought of a final judgment by a righteous judge good news for you? Why or why not?

Does anything good ever come out of suffering?

If we assume that God is just, we could also assume that there are moral reasons for God to allow evil, though we may never know them. On a human level we know that sometimes good is revealed in suffering. For example, we learn compassion for others and skills to cope having suffered personal pain. As loving parents we correct our children, causing them brief pain, knowing that by our discipline we help them become more socially acceptable to peers, adults, teachers, and future employers.

What are other examples of worthy or helpful things that have come out of suffering, both on a personal or societal level?

What about taking justice into my own hands?

The Bible teaches that individuals should not personally repay evil with evil. Paul writes, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:19,21). In Romans 13, Paul acknowledges the role of government, not the individual, to punish the offender of the law.

Can you provide an example of evil being overcome by good?

Do any of these thoughts bring you hope?