Divine Love Amidst Earthly Tragedy: A Free Grace Perspective on the LA County Fire

By - Pastor Freddy Cortez, National Capital Bible Church

The recent devastating fire in Los Angeles County has left many grappling with profound questions about divine intervention, judgment, and the nature of God's love. From a Free Grace theological perspective, this tragedy is an opportunity to explore the tension between God’s sovereignty, human suffering, and the assurance of His unconditional love.

The Nature of Suffering in a Fallen World

A. The Fall and Its Consequences

• Genesis 3: The entrance of sin into the world brought corruption to creation, resulting in suffering and death.

• Romans 8:20-22: All creation groans under the weight of sin, yearning for redemption.

B. Natural Disasters as a Result of the Fall

• These tragedies are not direct punishments from God but consequences of living in a broken world.

• Job 1-2: The story of Job demonstrates that suffering is not always linked to personal sin.

God's Sovereignty and Human Free Will

A. God's Ability to Intervene

• Matthew 8:23-27: Jesus' calming of the storm reveals His authority over nature.

• Psalm 107:29: God's power to still the seas remind us of His control over creation.

B. The Mystery of Divine Non-Intervention

• Isaiah 55:8-9: God's thoughts and ways are far beyond human understanding.

• Romans 11:33-34: The depth of God’s wisdom and judgments cannot be fully grasped.

The Free Grace Perspective on Suffering

A. Suffering Not as Punishment

• John 9:1-3: Jesus makes it clear that the man’s blindness was not caused by sin but for God's glory to be revealed.

• Luke 13:1-5: Jesus warns against interpreting tragedies as signs of greater sinfulness.

B. God's Love Amidst Suffering

• Romans 8:38-39: Nothing, not even tragedy, can separate believers from the love of God.

• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: God is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.

God's Presence in Times of Tragedy

A. Comfort in Suffering

• Psalm 23:4: Even in the darkest valley, God’s presence provides comfort.

• Isaiah 43:2: God promises to be with His people through fire and floods.

B. The Community of Believers as God's Hands and Feet

• Galatians 6:2: The church is called to bear one another’s burdens in times of trial.

• 1 Corinthians 12:26: When one part of the body suffers, the whole-body shares that suffering.

Conclusion

The devastating fire in LA County serves as a stark reminder of the brokenness of this world. From a Free Grace perspective, such tragedies are not acts of divine judgment but evidence of the Fall's impact on creation. God’s love remains constant and unconditional, even amidst suffering. Though we may not fully understand why God allows such events, we can take solace in His sovereignty, trust in His compassionate presence, and lean on the support of the believing community. As believers, we are called to reflect His love and bring hope to those in despair, serving as His hands and feet in a world longing for redemption.

As we reflect on the tragedy and the love of God, it is also an opportunity to remember the gift of eternal life offered to everyone. Jesus said in John 3:16, 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.'

If you have not yet believed in Jesus Christ, consider His offer of salvation today. Through faith in Him, you can experience the assurance of everlasting life and the unchanging love of God, no matter what circumstances you face.

This post was written by Pastor Freddy Cortez of National Capital Bible Church. If you have questions about this post or Christianity in general, please contact us today!