Does God Love Everyone?

It really depends on what you mean by ‘love.’

Recently, I was discussing the issue of suffering with an atheist on this site. He argued that the belief in an all-loving God is inconsistent with human suffering, not to mention hell. By his definition of “all-loving,” I would have to agree with his conclusion.

Later in the same week, my son sent me this text from college.

For many Christians, the idea that God loves everyone seems like a “no-brainer.” Some would cite John 3:16 as evidence of this.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16,‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

But if this verse means to imply that God loves each person equally, it is difficult to reconcile with other verses of the Bible.

“The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.” (‭‭Psalm‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬-‭6,‬ ‭ESV‬)

“I have loved you,” says the young Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?” “Is not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.” (‭‭Malachi‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3,‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

But if God does not love everyone, how are we to understand John’s statement that “God is love” (1 John 4:8, ESV) or Jesus’ command that his followers love their enemies “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven?” (Matthew 5:45, ESV)

However, if we look at Jesus’ further comments on loving our enemies, we have an indication of how God loves his enemies.

“…For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭45,‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

In other words, God has a general kindness towards all people, but a specific love for his people. This is true in the sense that God provides sunlight, rain, and food even to his enemies. This does not mean that they won’t be judged, but that He has delayed his judgment against them and even allowed them to experience some of his blessings while He gives them the opportunity to repent.

Most of us can probably relate to this distinguishing of affections. I might bring donuts into the office for all the staff to enjoy, but I don’t feel a burden of responsibility to provide for them the same way that I would for the members of my family.

Psalm 145 is a good illustration of God’s general kindness and specific love. Verses 15–17 demonstrate how God is good and kind to all of his creation.

“The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.” (‭‭Psalm‬ ‭145‬:‭15‬-‭17,‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

But the Psalm continues by explaining how God has a special affection toward those who follow Him. The Psalmist explains that, to these people, God gives his presence, salvation, and answered prayer.

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.” (‭‭Psalm‬ ‭145‬:‭18‬-‭19‬, ‭ESV‬‬)

Finally, the Psalmist shows that God still makes a distinction between these two groups, but this does not contradict his goodness. Rather, that He is still worthy of praise from all people.

“The Lord preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.” (‭‭Psalm‬ ‭145‬:‭20‬-‭21,‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

While some may find this teaching of Scripture offensive, it’s actually central to the Christian faith. The Bible teaches that, in our sinful state, we are considered enemies of God and his wrath is against us.

“…we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” (Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭3,‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

But, in his infinite kindness, God has made a way for his enemies to become his children through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.

“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us…For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” (Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬, ‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

We receive this free gift of salvation and sonship through following Jesus Christ as our Lord.

What a good and loving God we serve! He is righteous in all of his ways, and kind in all of his works.

Live for Jesus.