Is God Fair?

Have we ever felt that God is unfair in this life? As though life were divided into two parts: those who are happy and those who are unhappy. Some have everything, some are in lack. Some seem to have an easy life, while others have to work hard just to survive.

Some people are blessed with an abundance of love from their parents. Yet there are also those who are born orphaned, or who have only one parent. Some have a successfullife, can study abroad, get married, and have a happy family. Yet others may still be alone at an already mature age in life and are still struggling with finances.

All this can lead us to think that God is unfair. Why do other people seem so happy, while our lives feel hard or just ordinary? Is this what fairness is called? Is God really unfair? Perhaps that is a question we often ask. To answer it, let us look more deeply into the word of God. 

God's Plans Surpass Our Plans

He  makes everything beautiful in its time. He has even set eternity in their hearts. Yet man cannot fathom the work that God does from beginning to end - Ecclesiastes 3:11

My experience shows that the difficulties you are going through may well be part of God's plan that is good. Yet at the time, you may not be able to see the beauty of that plan of God. 

Many years ago, my marriage was on the verge of collapse. I was heavily pregnant at the time. I also thought, why would God give me another child in a situation like this? Why would He add to my responsibility, while He knew my marriage was going to end? I thought God was unfair. Until that child was born, I still did not understand this one plan of God.

A few years later, only then did I understand. That child became a child who helped me greatly, comforted me, gave me joy, and strengthened me. That was when I acknowledged that God was not unfair to me, but rather that He had a plan beyond my understanding. 

Perhaps right now you are being hit by various problems. Perhaps there are bad things coming one after another in your life. But believe this, this is not the end of everything. God is not finished with you. Right now, you may not understand. But in time, God will show His perfect plan in your life. So do not be too quick to label God as unfair.

Unfairness = Discipline from God?

And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when you are reproved by Him; – Hebrews 12:5 

Sometimes, what you are experiencing right now may be a form of God's discipline. 

In Hebrews 12:7, it says, "If you have to endure discipline, God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 

God disciplines us as an earthly father disciplines his child. Fathers on earth train us for a short time and only according to what they think is best, but He disciplines you for your good. But for what purpose?

The answer is written in Hebrews 12:10, "For they disciplined us for a short time according to what they thought best, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness.”

God's discipline shapes us so that we may share in His holiness. Wonderful, isn't it?

Here are 2 kinds of discipline that may happen in your life.

The Consequences of Our Own Actions

The first discipline is the consequence of our own actions. But why does God allow it? Certainly because God wants to cleanse us and direct our lives toward something better.

For example, we become sick because of an unhealthy lifestyle. Even though we are diligent in our quiet time, prayer, diligent in going to church, and never miss worshipservices. But our lifestyle is unhealthy. For example, we like to smoke, drink alcohol, rarely exercise, do not watch our diet, and like to stay up late. Does this mean God is unfair?

Doesn't sickness arise because we chose an unhealthy lifestyle ? Sometimes bad things can happen because of choices that are not wise. 

Or for example, for a long time you have not found a partner. Why is that? Perhaps because you have made no effort at all. Or you are very picky. Your future spouse must match 100% of your criteria. Without realizing it, you are getting older, but still alone. Is God unfair?

It may be that God is disciplining you so that you will have a more proper perspective about a life partner. Or He wants to show you that you need to be humble, willing to get to know the opposite sex and accept others as God accepts us.

What we receive today may well be the consequence of our own actions. Because whatever we sow, that is also what we will reap. But do not worry. God is not evil, nor is He punishing you. God's discipline directs us so that we may repent and live better lives. 

Purifying Your Faith and Calling

Now no discipline seems joyful at the time it is given, but sorrowful. But later it produces the fruit of righteousness that brings peace to those who have been trained by it. – Hebrews 12:11 

It seems that no one likes receiving discipline. It is unpleasant, and sometimes even painful. Especially if God Himself is the one doing it. Even so, we know that discipline is good for our souls. But when the discipline is done by God, it is said that such discipline will produce the fruit of righteousness and peace for those who are trained by Him.

It is written in John 15:2, "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He cuts off, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes, so that it may bear more fruit.” All the processes God allows are so that you will bear more. What is the result? The fruits of the Spirit as written in Galatians 5:22-23. Fruits of righteousness, such as perseverance, faith, and hope.

The figures in the Bible also experienced it. Look at what happened to people like Abraham, Moses, Job, and David. They were not exempt from heavy processes of discipline. Even so, they went through all of it with faith.. 

In the end, they became examples of faith for us. Therefore, believe that the things that do not match your expectations are God's way of maturing and growing you even more.

Through event after event, both good and bad, you will increasingly know God: His presence, His ways, His wisdom, and His plans.  

So, Is God Fair?

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God – Romans 3: 23 

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23 

What is your definition of fairness? 

Many people think fairness is when someone receives what they deserve. Others define fairness as everyone getting the same thing equally. But is that definition fair enough to define what is fair?

For example, if you have two children. One is 12 years old and the other is still 6 months old. Would it be fair if you gave them both the same food in the same portion, for example two pieces of fried chicken. 

Fair does not mean that we all get the same things in life. Physically, no one is the same. Even twins are not exactly the same. Even though we are not born in the same circumstances and do not receive equal portions, God is still fair. 

Imagine if we were all the same age and had the same job. If everyone were office workers, who would be the farmers? God's fairness creates balance on the earth.

Yet behind our diversity, God still keeps us and provides for us. God gives rain and sunshine to the good and the evil. Isn't that fair?

God's Justice and Mercy

God's justice also does not mean that everyone gets what they deserve. If a person is good, they get good things. If a person is evil, then they deserve their punishment. 

If measured that way, shouldn't we deserve to be punished and have no opportunity for eternal life, as the price for our sins? Yet God, who is just and also full of mercy, took the punishment we rightly deserved. He came into the world and died on the cross to redeem human sin. Is that fair? 

God remains just. God is the spotless and blameless Lamb of God. And sin entered through one man, and it was also paid for by one man, namely Jesus. And this just God is also full of mercy. The death of Jesus is the moment where mercy and God's justice meet. 

The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are just, a faithful God, without deceit, just and upright is He. –  Deuteronomy 32:4

Therefore, let us no longer think that God is unfair in your life. God is fair. Isn't it sometimes we who are unfair to Him? With all the goodness we have received, what have we done for Him? Have we wholeheartedly loved Him? 

Seeing Justice Through God's Eyes

Let us see justice through God's lens or perspective. When we explore God's justice, we will also find His great love. That is who God is. If God Himself chooses to show mercy rather than demand payment for our sins, is it fitting for us to say that God is unfair?

In closing, as Charles Stanley said, trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees. Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see in order to see what God sees. Let us keep trusting the Lord, that what He does and gives to us is the very best.

Reference: www.azquotes.com/quote/1415969 -  Related Articles:

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