Is God Fair?
The question of whether God is fair is an important one that many people wrestle with. The Bible has much to say on this topic that can provide understanding and reassurance. Ultimately, God is perfectly just and righteous in all His ways (Deuteronomy 32:4). However, His justice and fairness may not always align with our limited human perceptions and understandings.
God’s Nature is Always Righteous
The Bible affirms that righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s throne (Psalm 97:2). He cannot act in any way that contradicts His holy and righteous character. While God sometimes implements discipline, judgment, and wrath, He only does so righteously, for His glory, and to accomplish His perfect will (Isaiah 45:7, Lamentations 3:37-38). As humans, we do not always have the full picture or understanding of why God allows certain things. But we can trust that His motivations flow from His righteous, just, and loving character (1 John 4:8).
God’s Ways are Higher than Our Ways
Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God’s ways and thoughts are infinitely above our own limited human understanding. We only see dimly, while God sees and understands all things perfectly (1 Corinthians 13:12). This means that while we may look at a situation and deem it unfair, God in His sovereignty and wisdom has purposes for all that He allows or causes to happen (Proverbs 16:4). As Revelation 15:3 declares, God’s ways are just and true.
An example is the story of Joseph in Genesis 37-50. What happened to Joseph seemed terribly unfair from a human perspective. Yet God used it for good in ways that Joseph could not have foreseen at the time. God’s plans are often mysterious to us, but over time we see glimpses of His purposes unfolding.
God’s Definition of Fairness is Different Than Ours
Our human ideas of fairness are often based on flawed assumptions and perspectives. We tend to think in limited, short-term ways. But God sees all of time – past, present, and future – with perfect understanding (Isaiah 46:10). His definition of fairness encompasses eternity. He may allow present sufferings to fulfill His perfect will and bring about an even greater, eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
We also tend to think that fairness means everyone gets exactly the same things in life. But God in His wisdom sometimes apportions to people different giftings, talents, resources, and experiences as He sees fit for His purposes (Matthew 25:14-30, Romans 9:19-24). Equality in God’s eyes does not necessarily mean uniformity.
God Demonstrates His Fairness Through Jesus
While God’s fairness may seem confounding at times, He demonstrated it ultimately through sending His Son Jesus to die for us. Romans 3:25-26 explains that God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, demonstrating His righteousness and justice in passing over former sins. His fairness was evident in requiring payment for sins, yet providing it Himself in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:21 further says that God made Christ, who knew no sin, to become sin on our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. God’s perfect fairness and justice were fulfilled by punishing sins in Christ rather than in us who rightfully deserved it. What amazing, sacrificial love!
Trusting God’s Goodness Despite Unanswered Questions
Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us that the secret things belong to the Lord our God. Though we cannot understand everything, we can still trust God’s righteous and just character. We can have the same faith that Abraham modeled when he trusted God even in the face of a confusing command (Genesis 22:1-19). Though we may have unanswered questions, God promises to work all things – even unjust sufferings – for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Find Comfort in God’s Promises
Here are some key promises from Scripture we can cling to when wrestling with concerns about God’s fairness:
- God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5)
- God is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His works (Psalm 145:17)
- God’s judgments are true and just (Revelation 19:2)
- God will repay each person according to what they have done (Romans 2:6)
- God is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love (Psalm 103:8)
- God works all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28)
Prayer for Understanding God’s Fairness
When we do not understand God’s ways, the best recourse is to humbly seek Him in prayer. We can admit our limited perspective and ask Him for eyes to see glimpses of His great purposes. As we seek God and spend time in His Word, our faith in His perfect goodness and fairness grows. We can even thank Him in advance for the ways He will bring good out of present trials, even when we do not yet see how (Romans 8:28). God delights in our sincere prayers and steps of faith.
Here is a sample prayer based on Scriptural truth that we can pray when questioning God’s fairness:
Lord, there are times when your ways do not make sense to me. I have questions about things that seem unfair and unjust. But your Word says that your judgments are true and your ways are just (Revelation 19:2). You are light, and in you there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). Remind me that your thoughts are higher than my thoughts, and your ways are higher than my ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Help me trust that you are working all things together for my good, even when I cannot yet see how (Romans 8:28). Give me faith to believe that you will bring glory out of my present sufferings (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Thank you for sending Jesus to demonstrate your perfect fairness. Help me find rest, comfort, and assurance in your righteous, just, and loving character. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Conclusion
The fairness of God is a complex subject that may never be fully answered this side of eternity. However, through studying Scripture, we gain glimpses of His righteous character and the trustworthiness of His ways. Though God’s justice may look different than our imperfect human ideas of fairness, we can rely on His infallible goodness and wisdom. By keeping an eternal perspective, praying for understanding, and resting in God’s promises, we can endure seasons of confusion and trust that He will ultimately demonstrate His justice and loving purposes.