But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:4–5 (NLT)
Do negative circumstances happen to people because God is angry with them?
If a child passes away, it’s not because the parents needed to be taught a lesson. And if someone gets sick, it’s not because God wants them to get what’s coming to them!
Any teaching that says God is going to pay you back for the sin in your life ignores the New Covenant. God isn’t allowing bad things to come into your life. Romans 5:9 says, “And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ He will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.” (NLT). We’re saved through Jesus!
Jesus paid the price for all sin and rose up victoriously, which means that God doesn’t orchestrate bad things to happen to you as punishment for your behaviour.
So… why do bad things happen? Sometimes it’s simply because we live in an imperfect world. Other times, we create our own negative consequences. If you jump off the roof and break your legs, for example, it’s not God’s fault! Your actions created a natural consequence.
Another reason why bad things can happen is because you believe they’re going to happen. In Matthew 9:29, Jesus said, “Because of your faith, it will happen” (NLT), which means that your beliefs have a tremendous impact on how you experience life—both for good and for bad.
Don’t fall for the lie that God is out to get you. He’s not angry with you! If you’ve given your life to Jesus, you’re a member of His family. He’s on your side!