From God, there is no evil in our lives, only good. With God, there is only light (1 John 1:5). The devil wants to pump the darkness and evil into our lives.
Only good things come from God. The Bible expresses it as follows: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17; NIV). Or as it is said in another translation: “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” (James 1:17; NLT)
God doesn’t send anyone to hell either. On the contrary. He tries for a lifetime with every human being that they would find God, take hold of Jesus’ outstretched hand of salvation, so that they would not end in hell. God is full of patience.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9; NIV)
Hell (lake of fire) is defined by the complete absence of God. Since God is not in Hell, He does not torment or torture anyone there. With every single human being, God has tried repeatedly that this person will take hold of the helpful, outstretched hand of Jesus (there is no reincarnation, therefore, we have “only” this life available for the most important decision regarding our destination for eternity). But, unfortunately, most people ignore Jesus.
Does this sound like God is torturing people? God “…wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4; NIV)
And this invitation is not extended to lure people to be tormented, but this invitation is extended to us to forever be reconciled to God: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30; NIV)
The devil tortures us with addictions, bondages, deficiencies, and disease. The devil is our enemy. God is our friend who loves us above all else.
And this, too, doesn’t sound like God is tormenting us: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3; NIV) “all comfort” — Do not believe the lie from the devil that God is mean to you. Get rid of the slavish fear of God, which man-made religion wants to tell us, so that nothing stands between you and your loving Creator.
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