Attributes of God – God’s Goodness and Holiness Part 4
In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III discusses the meaning of God’s goodness and holiness, and explains why evil and pain exist in the world despite God’s goodness. He distinguishes between “evil” as sin and “evil” as calamities and afflictions, and shows how God’s goodness does not contradict the existence of suffering.
Free will and the value of choice
God gave rational creatures free will because freedom ennobles man and makes him in God’s image. Freedom allows choosing good or evil, and God prefers love that is free over coerced love. Therefore God permitted the possibility of falling so that choice remains real, and He is willing to provide redemption to restore people to goodness.
Permission versus God’s will
Sin is not from God’s will but results from creatures’ freedom. From God’s wisdom and goodness He allows freedom, and He provides means of return: repentance, revelation, prophets, apostles, and shepherds.
The meaning of pain and its spiritual benefits
Sorrows and pains are not always evil without benefit; they have educational and spiritual aspects. Pain can lead to repentance, purify the heart, reveal human solidarity and mercy, and lead people to prayer and return to God. Pain also awakens consciences and prevents people from committing sins by reminding them of consequences.
The proper response to suffering
Suffering is measured by a person’s response: those who grumble are crushed by pain, while those who accept it in faith are purified and draw nearer to God. Martyrs and saints accepted suffering with joy because it taught them self-sacrifice and love for others.
Spiritual conclusion
God’s goodness does not prevent the existence of suffering; rather He uses it for a greater good: valuing freedom, calling to repentance, purifying souls, and revealing God’s love that provides means of redemption. Therefore we must understand suffering in the light of God’s wisdom and respond with prayer, repentance, and thanksgiving.
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