When we’re feeling upset about the terrible suffering in the world and God’s patience towards it, it’s useful to contemplate God’s options for ending it. Here are four possible options.

He could step in every time we were about to do something that could cause harm. How many of us would complain about Him being a terrible ‘Big Brother’ figure?

Secondly, He could destroy all sinners, since greed, lying, stealing, adultery, murder, and all manner of self-centered attitudes and actions are by far the main reasons for suffering. We probably wouldn’t like this option. Who would be left?

Thirdly, God could turn us all into robots with no free will who always behave exactly as programmed. I’m sure this option’s not very appealing either.

The remaining option, as I see it, is to try and turn our hearts away from doing the wrong thing by loving us so much we would never wish to hurt Him or others again. That’s the approach God took through the Cross. Millions have been turned away from lives dangerous to themselves and society by giving their lives to their loving Saviour. Love changes hearts better than anything.

Sadly, however, because most aren’t responding to His love, God will have to bring this world to a close, and apply the second option to those who refuse to accept His gracious free gift of eternal life through trusting in His Son. For now, we can just praise God for His free-will-respecting plan for ours and the world’s salvation.