God’s Love or God’s Judgement?
As wildfires ravage California, leaving destruction in their wake, thousands of lives are being upended. Families are losing homes, communities are being displaced, and people are left mourning the loss of loved ones and livelihoods. Yet, amid this tragedy, some Christians have taken to social media with messages like, “God will not be mocked,” or, “They wanted God out of California, so they deserve it.”
It is possible for a statement such as “God will not be mocked” to be simultaneously true and wrong (even sinful) for a Christian to use in certain contexts or with a certain attitude/spirit.
This rhetoric is not just unhelpful; it is unbiblical. It misrepresents the heart of the gospel and undermines the very command Jesus gave us: to love our neighbors.
The Command to Love Our Neighbor
Jesus summarized the entire Law in two commands: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–39). No asterisk in this command exempts people with whom we disagree, whether celebrities, liberals, or those we perceive as enemies.
The wildfires don’t discriminate by political or religious affiliation, nor should our compassion. In moments like this, we are called to mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15), not stand in judgment over them. Every person affected by these fires is made in the image of God—Imago Dei. To treat anyone as unworthy of our prayers or our love is to deny their humanity and the God who created them.
Judgment or Opportunity for Grace?
Some Christians have suggested these wildfires are God’s judgment on California, citing its political climate or cultural reputation. But Jesus himself warned against such presumptions. When asked about a tragedy involving a collapsed tower, Jesus replied: “Do you think they were worse sinners than all the others? I tell you, no. But unless you repent, you too will perish” (Luke 13:2–5).
Tragedy is not a stage for pointing fingers but an opportunity for reflection and repentance. It’s a moment to extend grace, not condemnation.
Are Celebrities Not Our Neighbors?
A common target of the judgmental rhetoric surrounding these wildfires is celebrities or elites. It’s easy to forget that behind the fame and fortune are human beings with families, fears, and pain. The Bible’s command to love our neighbor applies just as much to them as it does to anyone else.
Mockery and judgment do nothing to lead people closer to Christ. Instead, they reinforce the stereotype of Christians as unkind, self-righteous, and lacking compassion. If we truly believe in the transformative power of the gospel, our response to suffering should reflect God’s love and mercy.
Pray, Don’t Preach Judgment
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6). In the face of tragedy, our first response should be prayer, not preaching judgment. In other words, be salt but don’t be salty.
- Pray for the victims: for comfort, healing, and provision.
- Pray for the firefighters risking their lives to protect others.
- Pray for opportunities to serve and show God’s love in tangible ways.
Mocking those who suffer reveals not their sin but our lack of love. Instead, let’s be a light in the darkness by extending grace and compassion.
Steps Christians Can Take to Help Wildfire Victims
If you’re wondering how to respond in a way that reflects Christ’s love, consider these steps:
- Pray intentionally for those affected by the wildfires.
- Donate to relief efforts through trusted organizations like the Red Cross, Convoy of Hope, or Reach Out America.
- Volunteer your time or resources if you’re in a position to help directly.
- Speak words of hope and encouragement, both online and offline, instead of judgment.
- Share the gospel through your actions, showing that God’s love extends to everyone.
Let Us Be the Light
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). In times of tragedy, our light shines brightest when we reflect the love, grace, and mercy of God. Let us not tarnish our witness with words of judgment or self-righteousness. Instead, let us be the hands and feet of Christ, offering hope and healing to a hurting world.
The fires in California are a sobering reminder of life’s fragility and the urgency of the gospel. May we seize this moment to embody the love of Christ, drawing others closer to Him—not pushing them away with careless words.
Let us pray, love, and act. That’s what Jesus would do.
Compassion Is Not a Zero-Sum Game
Some might argue that focusing on the wildfires in Los Angeles means we don’t care about other disasters, like the fires in Hawaii or the recent devastation brought on by the hurricane and flooding in the Carolinas. But compassion is not a zero-sum game. Caring deeply about one tragedy doesn’t negate concern for another. God’s love is vast, and as His followers, we are called to extend that love universally. When one part of the body suffers, we all suffer (1 Corinthians 12:26). This means we can and should care about all who are hurting, regardless of where the disaster occurs. The question is not why focus on this tragedy, but how can we broaden our response to include all those in need? Instead of dividing our compassion, let’s multiply it.
