Does God love everyone, including non-believers and sinners?

The question of whether God loves everyone, including non-believers and sinners, is a profound one that touches the very heart of Christian theology and the nature of God. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I would like to explore this question by delving into Scripture, examining the nature of God's love, and considering the implications for believers and non-believers alike.

To begin with, it is essential to understand that the nature of God is fundamentally rooted in love. The apostle John famously declares, "God is love" (1 John 4:8). This statement is not merely a description of one of God's attributes but an affirmation that love is intrinsic to God's very being. God's love is not conditional or limited; it is an essential part of who He is.

The Bible provides numerous instances that illustrate God's love for all humanity, regardless of their spiritual state. One of the most compelling passages is John 3:16, where Jesus says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse underscores the universality of God's love. The term "world" (Greek: kosmos) encompasses all of humanity, indicating that God's love extends to every person, including non-believers and sinners.

Another powerful illustration of God's inclusive love is found in Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This verse highlights that God's love is proactive and sacrificial. It was while we were still in a state of sin and estrangement from God that He chose to send His Son to die for us. This act of love was not reserved for the righteous or those who had already turned to God but was extended to all humanity, regardless of their spiritual condition.

The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) further illustrates God's love for sinners. In this story, a father eagerly awaits the return of his wayward son, who has squandered his inheritance in reckless living. When the son finally returns, the father runs to him, embraces him, and celebrates his return with a feast. This parable vividly portrays God's readiness to welcome back sinners with open arms, demonstrating His unwavering love and forgiveness.

While it is clear that God's love extends to all people, it is also important to recognize that God's love does not negate His justice or holiness. God's love is not permissive of sin; rather, it seeks to redeem and transform sinners. Hebrews 12:6 states, "The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son." God's love includes correction and discipline, aimed at leading individuals to repentance and a restored relationship with Him.

The inclusive nature of God's love is also evident in the teachings of Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, "that you may be children of your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:44-45). Jesus goes on to explain that God "causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous" (Matthew 5:45). This passage emphasizes that God's benevolent care extends to all people, regardless of their moral or spiritual state.

However, while God's love is universal, the experience of that love in its fullest sense is contingent upon one's response to it. God's love is offered freely to all, but it must be received through faith in Jesus Christ. John 1:12 states, "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." This verse indicates that becoming a child of God and experiencing the fullness of His love requires a personal response of faith.

C.S. Lewis, a renowned Christian apologist, provides a helpful perspective on God's love in his book "The Problem of Pain." Lewis writes, "God loves us; not because we are lovable but because He is love, not because He needs to receive but because He delights to give." This insight underscores that God's love is not based on our worthiness but on His character. God's love is a self-giving love that seeks our ultimate good, even when we are undeserving.

Furthermore, the apostle Paul eloquently expresses the inseparable nature of God's love for those who are in Christ in Romans 8:38-39: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." This passage assures believers that God's love is steadfast and unbreakable, providing comfort and security in the face of any circumstance.

In conclusion, the biblical evidence overwhelmingly supports the view that God loves everyone, including non-believers and sinners. God's love is universal, sacrificial, and proactive, demonstrated supremely through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. While God's love is offered to all, it must be received through faith to be fully experienced. God's love is not permissive of sin but seeks to redeem and transform, leading individuals to repentance and a restored relationship with Him. As Christians, we are called to reflect God's inclusive love by loving others, including our enemies, and sharing the good news of God's love with all people.