How will the destruction of wicked angels and people affect God?

Sometimes we try to place on God the attributes of sinful human beings. We think that the Lord somehow feels like we do about wicked people, especially those who have deeply hurt us or our family and friends. But God is not like us. The Lord says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” (Isaiah 55:8). This is true when it comes to the punishment of evil.

While it is accurate to say that God will punish sinful people who do not turn from their ways, destroying them in the lake of fire where they will be totally consumed, it is not done with delight. Listen to God’s heart in Scripture. Ezekiel presents the emotions of a Father who cries for His children.

I am touched by these words depicting this longing for the lost: “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? … My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred” (Hosea 11:8). Any normal parent can sense the terrible pain in God’s heart when He looks at His wayward children.

Sadly, even Jesus’ disciples didn’t sense that the teacher they came to love was similar in character to God the Father. Notice how Christ presented the Father: “In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God” (John 16:26, 27, my emphasis).

All of our heavenly family will grieve over the destruction of those who refuse to receive the gift of eternal life. It should motivate us now to reach out to them before it is too late.

Key Bible Texts

Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:11 KJV)