When Covid first emerged in 2020, I was shocked at how many Christians I personally knew who claimed it was God’s doing.

Or if they didn't say it outright, they revealed that there was room in their hearts to pin it on God, pointing to Old Testament examples and Matthew 24 as proof.

Fast forward five years, and the truth came out—as it always does.

It wasn’t God at all. And no, God didn't "allow it" either.

Yet today, with events like the LA fires, Christians are once again saying it's God’s doing.

But Jesus Himself settles this:

“The Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” (Luke 9:56)

If Jesus did not come to destroy, then destruction is not from Him.

He is the exact representation of God’s nature (Hebrews 1:3). That means if we don’t see it in Jesus, we cannot attribute it to God.

Theology Without Love Is Dangerous

This is what happens when we haven't fully grasped the work of Christ, when we haven't reconciled the God of the Old Testament with the God and Father revealed in Christ, and when we elevate our zeal for theology over truly knowing His nature.

“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!” (John 5:39)

I’ve met people with incredible theology who were terrible at loving others. And I’ve met people with basic theolgoy who radiate God’s love.

If your theology makes you less loving, it's the wrong theology. No matter how deep your understanding, agape love matters most.

“If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and knowledge, but do not have love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2)

Jesus warned that in the last days, the love of many would grow cold.

The Greek word here is agape—God’s own love poured into the hearts of believers. That means it is believers whose love will grow cold.

And one sign of that? When we start attributing destruction and death to God, misrepresenting His nature.

Love Does Not Oppose Justice

Make no mistake—love does not mean ignoring justice. God’s justice is not reckless destruction. It is always redemptive.

The cross is proof that God’s justice and love are not in conflict. The same Jesus who forgave sinners also overturned tables in the temple. True justice restores, protects, and sets things right—not mindless destruction.

Some think Jesus is different from the God of the Old Testament, but He Himself said: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9)

Jesus does not oppose the Father—He reveals Him perfectly.

If our view puts the Father and Son at odds, then it is our view that needs adjusting.

Who Is Really Behind Destruction?

Jesus draws a clear distinction: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

The thief destroys. Jesus gives life. If we confuse the two, we haven't understood His nature.

C.S. Lewis said, "Love is something more stern and splendid than mere kindness."

True love is not passive; it actively works for good.

If our theology leads us to see disaster as God’s doing, we have lost sight of who He is.

The nature of agape is fully revealed in Jesus.

If the God you follow doesn’t look like Him—merciful, compassionate, and laying His life down for the world—then it’s time to hear the gospel again.

5 Practicals to Align With God’s Heart

1. Test Everything by Jesus – If it doesn’t look like Him, it’s not from the Father (Hebrews 1:3).

2. Guard Your Love – Watch out for cynicism, self-righteousness, and theological debates that harden your heart.

3. Embrace Redemptive Justice – Seek justice, but in a way that restores and heals, not in a way that destroys.

4. Discern the Source of Destruction – If something steals, kills, or destroys, Jesus says it’s not from Him (John 10:10).

5. Live Like Jesus – If He didn’t attribute disasters to God, neither should we.

God is a good Father.

Jesus changed everything for us. God is better than we think. Our greatest challenge isn't proving it—it’s believing it.

Related reading:

• Did God Send The LA Fires?

• "God Allowed It" – The Phrase That's Twisting God's Goodness

• Are You Seeing God Wrong? 5 Consequences

• 10 Lies Keeping You Blind to God's Work (and how to see clearly!)