Does God "give up" on us?

[Giannawannabe]

Last week, I heard a segment on Catholic radio. I can’t recall the name of the program, but it had to do with God giving up on evil people. The idea is that, if someone continually turns their back on God by living a completely evil life, that God will eventually stop sending that person graces. Essentially, that person’s heart is so hardened that the Holy Spirit has no chance to soften it. Is that true? I know some people who I believe have sunk to living evil lives. I can almost feel a “brick wall” when talking to them about God. Anyway, just wanted to hear some thoughts on this. I thought God never “gave up” on us. I pray for these “evil” people in my life constantly. It seems their hearts are closed. Should I give up?

 

[leonie]

Last week, I heard a segment on Catholic radio. I can’t recall the name of the program, but it had to do with God giving up on evil people. The idea is that, if someone continually turns their back on God by living a completely evil life, that God will eventually stop sending that person graces. Essentially, that person’s heart is so hardened that the Holy Spirit has no chance to soften it. Is that true? I know some people who I believe have sunk to living evil lives. I can almost feel a “brick wall” when talking to them about God. Anyway, just wanted to hear some thoughts on this. I thought God never “gave up” on us. I pray for these “evil” people in my life constantly. It seems their hearts are closed. Should I give up?

I have several thoughts. The Cure of Ars fasted and prayed for his indifferent and immoral parish. He had many conversions. Then, when the conversions seemed to stop, he giving up sleep, too.

So, fasting and mortifications are effective for those who are hardened sinners.

Also, reading saints who were victim souls is encouraging. Although, it seems like they really had to suffer much to help in saving the souls.

In these hard cases, perhaps more sacrificial measures are needed.

Also, God’s timing is perfect. He waits for the perfect opportunity to use those graces.

I think most sinners who are prayed for are saved, though many at the point of death.

It might be helpful to pray for that specific soul, then ask God to use your prayers on whomever would most benefit. Just like when we pray for souls in purgatory who have entered heaven, other souls benefit from the prayers we make for the hardened sinner we love.

Please pray for my sister, and two brothers and my nephew who are far from God.

 

[thistle]

Last week, I heard a segment on Catholic radio. I can’t recall the name of the program, but it had to do with God giving up on evil people. The idea is that, if someone continually turns their back on God by living a completely evil life, that God will eventually stop sending that person graces. Essentially, that person’s heart is so hardened that the Holy Spirit has no chance to soften it. Is that true? I know some people who I believe have sunk to living evil lives. I can almost feel a “brick wall” when talking to them about God. Anyway, just wanted to hear some thoughts on this. I thought God never “gave up” on us. I pray for these “evil” people in my life constantly. It seems their hearts are closed. Should I give up?

God never gives up on anyone!

 

[slowbutfaithful]

Last week, I heard a segment on Catholic radio. I can’t recall the name of the program, but it had to do with God giving up on evil people. The idea is that, if someone continually turns their back on God by living a completely evil life, that God will eventually stop sending that person graces. Essentially, that person’s heart is so hardened that the Holy Spirit has no chance to soften it. Is that true? I know some people who I believe have sunk to living evil lives. I can almost feel a “brick wall” when talking to them about God. Anyway, just wanted to hear some thoughts on this. I thought God never “gave up” on us. I pray for these “evil” people in my life constantly. It seems their hearts are closed. Should I give up?

Never give up praying for people who have turned away from God. However, praying that God do something specific for them (like open/convert their hearts) might be fruitless – or even contrary to His will. The evil acts that some people commit are sometimes permitted by God to accomplish some other greater good. The bible is littered with examples, [Joseph being sold into slavery to Egypt by his brothers, etc.] Sometimes the proper prayer to offer is that God’s will for these people be fulfilled – nothing more.

 

[mariam1976]

i dont think god gives up on us… if he did, he would have given up on me a long time ago. also the sins that we do, god has given us those weaknesses to begin with. but he also gives us the free will to overcome them with his grace

 

[Spirithound]

God can always have a chance to convert you, but if a certain person continually rejects His graces, especially those of faith, hope, and charity, then God will not force Himself on them.

 

[Kathrin]

It’s difficult if not impossible for me to imagine God giving up on anybody!!!

 

[blessedstar]

Jesus on the Cross is the Sign that God does not give up on anyone.

Whoever suggested God gives up on people whatever their state of soul may be is straying into some very weird and errant theology; they’re away with the fairies. Don’t listen to it.

Pray for everyone and don’t worry.

In the Living Prayer of my life

 

[Kathrin]

Let’s pray for those who might think God gives up on people…

 

[blessedstar]

Let’s pray for those who might think God gives up on people…

Yes.

In the Living Prayer of my life

 

[TOP]

Here is what the Lord said to St. Faustina about a despairing soul.

1486 Conversation of the Merciful God with a Despairing Soul.

Jesus: O soul steeped in darkness, do not despair. All is not yet lost. Come and confide in your God, who is love and mercy.

-But the soul, deaf even to this appeal, wraps itself in darkness.

Jesus calls out again: My child, listen to the voice of your merciful Father.

• In the soul arises this reply: “For me there is no mercy,” and it falls into greater darkness, a despair which is a foretaste of hell and makes it unable to draw near to God.

Jesus calls to the soul a third time, but the soul remains deaf and blind, hardened and despairing. Then the mercy of God begins to exert itself, and, without any co-operation from the soul, God grants it final grace. If this too is spurned, God will leave the soul in this self-chosen disposition for eternity. This grace emerges from the merciful Heart of Jesus and gives the soul a special light by means of which the soul begins to understand God’s effort; but conversion depends on its own will. The soul knows that this, for her, is final grace and, should it show even a flicker of good will, the mercy of God will accomplish the rest.

My omnipotent mercy is active here. Happy the soul that takes advantage of this grace.

Jesus: What joy fills My Heart when you return to me. Because you are weak, I take you in My arms and carry you to the home of My Father.

Soul (as if awaking, asks fearfully): Is it possible that there yet is mercy for me?

Jesus: There is, My child. You have a special claim on My mercy. Let it act in your poor soul; let the rays of grace enter your soul; they bring with them light, warmth, and life.

Soul: But fear fills me at the thought of my sins, and this terrible fear moves me to doubt Your goodness.

Jesus: My child, all your sins have not wounded My Heart as painfully as your present lack of trust does - that after so many efforts of My love and mercy, you should still doubt My goodness.

Soul: O Lord, save me yourself, for I perish. Be my Savior. O Lord, I am unable to say anything more; my pitiful heart is torn asunder; but You, O Lord… Jesus does not let the soul finish but, raising it from the ground, from the depths of its misery, he leads it into the recesses of His Heart where all its sins disappear instantly, consumed by the flames of love.

Jesus: Here, soul, are all the treasures of My Heart. Take everything you need from it.

Soul: O Lord, I am inundated with Your grace. I sense that a new life has entered into me and, above all, I feel Your love in my heart. That is enough for me. O Lord, I will glorify the omnipotence of Your mercy for all eternity. Encouraged by Your goodness, I will confide to You all the sorrows of my heart.

Jesus: Tell me all, My child, hide nothing from Me, because My loving Heart, the Heart of your Best Friend, is listening to you.

Soul: O Lord, now I see all my ingratitude and Your goodness. You were pursuing me with Your grace, while I was frustrating Your benevolence. I see that I deserve the depths of hell for spurning Your graces.

Jesus (interrupting): Do not be absorbed in your misery-you are still too weak to speak of it-but, rather, gaze on My Heart filled with goodness, and be imbued with My sentiments. Strive for meekness and humility; be merciful to others, as I am to you; and, when you feel your strength failing, if you come to the fountain of mercy to fortify your soul, you will not grow weary on your journey.

Soul: Now I understand Your mercy, which protects me, and like a brilliant star, leads me into the home of my Father, protecting me from the horrors of hell that I have deserved, not once, but a thousand times. O Lord, eternity will hardly suffice for me to give due praise to Your unfathomable mercy and Your compassion for me.

 

[Hlafdige]

Oh, Tim, thank you SO much! I really really needed to hear words like those.

 

[TOP]

Oh, Tim, thank you SO much! I really really needed to hear words like those.

Thank the Lord. He did this for me once and it only takes a “flicker” for His grace to pour in. Tim

 

[contramundum7]

I think most sinners who are prayed for are saved, though many at the point of death.

What if someone had no one praying for him/her? That person would need help all the more… It doesn’t seem fair that only those who are prayed for have hope of salvation… (Just my thoughts at the moment…).

 

[contramundum7]

God never gives up on anyone. But sometimes the devil’s voice seems so much louder… and he lies to us, lies to us, lies to us… I used to believe that God wouldn’t want me because God is perfectly holy and (of course) i am not. What an outrageous lie! I almost fell for it… Thank God for the rosary… that’s what intervened…

 

[Kathrin]

What if someone had no one praying for him/her? That person would need help all the more… It doesn’t seem fair that only those who are prayed for have hope of salvation… (Just my thoughts at the moment…).

I’ve heard it added to a prayer, I think more than once: “…and for all who have nobody to pray for them”

We can all do that sometimes.

 

[MSParrott]

Here is what the Lord said to St. Faustina about a despairing soul.

1486 Conversation of the Merciful God with a Despairing Soul.

Jesus: O soul steeped in darkness, do not despair. All is not yet lost. Come and confide in your God, who is love and mercy.

-But the soul, deaf even to this appeal, wraps itself in darkness.

Jesus calls out again: My child, listen to the voice of your merciful Father.

• In the soul arises this reply: “For me there is no mercy,” and it falls into greater darkness, a despair which is a foretaste of hell and makes it unable to draw near to God.

Jesus calls to the soul a third time, but the soul remains deaf and blind, hardened and despairing. Then the mercy of God begins to exert itself, and, without any co-operation from the soul, God grants it final grace. If this too is spurned, God will leave the soul in this self-chosen disposition for eternity. This grace emerges from the merciful Heart of Jesus and gives the soul a special light by means of which the soul begins to understand God’s effort; but conversion depends on its own will. The soul knows that this, for her, is final grace and, should it show even a flicker of good will, the mercy of God will accomplish the rest.

My omnipotent mercy is active here. Happy the soul that takes advantage of this grace.

Jesus: What joy fills My Heart when you return to me. Because you are weak, I take you in My arms and carry you to the home of My Father.

Soul (as if awaking, asks fearfully): Is it possible that there yet is mercy for me?

Jesus: There is, My child. You have a special claim on My mercy. Let it act in your poor soul; let the rays of grace enter your soul; they bring with them light, warmth, and life.

Soul: But fear fills me at the thought of my sins, and this terrible fear moves me to doubt Your goodness.

Jesus: My child, all your sins have not wounded My Heart as painfully as your present lack of trust does - that after so many efforts of My love and mercy, you should still doubt My goodness.

Soul: O Lord, save me yourself, for I perish. Be my Savior. O Lord, I am unable to say anything more; my pitiful heart is torn asunder; but You, O Lord… Jesus does not let the soul finish but, raising it from the ground, from the depths of its misery, he leads it into the recesses of His Heart where all its sins disappear instantly, consumed by the flames of love.

Jesus: Here, soul, are all the treasures of My Heart. Take everything you need from it.

Soul: O Lord, I am inundated with Your grace. I sense that a new life has entered into me and, above all, I feel Your love in my heart. That is enough for me. O Lord, I will glorify the omnipotence of Your mercy for all eternity. Encouraged by Your goodness, I will confide to You all the sorrows of my heart.

Jesus: Tell me all, My child, hide nothing from Me, because My loving Heart, the Heart of your Best Friend, is listening to you.

Soul: O Lord, now I see all my ingratitude and Your goodness. You were pursuing me with Your grace, while I was frustrating Your benevolence. I see that I deserve the depths of hell for spurning Your graces.

Jesus (interrupting): Do not be absorbed in your misery-you are still too weak to speak of it-but, rather, gaze on My Heart filled with goodness, and be imbued with My sentiments. Strive for meekness and humility; be merciful to others, as I am to you; and, when you feel your strength failing, if you come to the fountain of mercy to fortify your soul, you will not grow weary on your journey.

Soul: Now I understand Your mercy, which protects me, and like a brilliant star, leads me into the home of my Father, protecting me from the horrors of hell that I have deserved, not once, but a thousand times. O Lord, eternity will hardly suffice for me to give due praise to Your unfathomable mercy and Your compassion for me.

WOW! I feel as if He were speaking to me! Thank you for posting this!!!

 

[AHapka]

Here is what the Lord said to St. Faustina about a despairing soul.

1486 Conversation of the Merciful God with a Despairing Soul.

Jesus: O soul steeped in darkness, do not despair. All is not yet lost. Come and confide in your God, who is love and mercy.

-But the soul, deaf even to this appeal, wraps itself in darkness.

Jesus calls out again: My child, listen to the voice of your merciful Father.

• In the soul arises this reply: “For me there is no mercy,” and it falls into greater darkness, a despair which is a foretaste of hell and makes it unable to draw near to God.

Jesus calls to the soul a third time, but the soul remains deaf and blind, hardened and despairing. Then the mercy of God begins to exert itself, and, without any co-operation from the soul, God grants it final grace. If this too is spurned, God will leave the soul in this self-chosen disposition for eternity. This grace emerges from the merciful Heart of Jesus and gives the soul a special light by means of which the soul begins to understand God’s effort; but conversion depends on its own will. The soul knows that this, for her, is final grace and, should it show even a flicker of good will, the mercy of God will accomplish the rest.

My omnipotent mercy is active here. Happy the soul that takes advantage of this grace.

Jesus: What joy fills My Heart when you return to me. Because you are weak, I take you in My arms and carry you to the home of My Father.

Soul (as if awaking, asks fearfully): Is it possible that there yet is mercy for me?

Jesus: There is, My child. You have a special claim on My mercy. Let it act in your poor soul; let the rays of grace enter your soul; they bring with them light, warmth, and life.

Soul: But fear fills me at the thought of my sins, and this terrible fear moves me to doubt Your goodness.

Jesus: My child, all your sins have not wounded My Heart as painfully as your present lack of trust does - that after so many efforts of My love and mercy, you should still doubt My goodness.

Soul: O Lord, save me yourself, for I perish. Be my Savior. O Lord, I am unable to say anything more; my pitiful heart is torn asunder; but You, O Lord… Jesus does not let the soul finish but, raising it from the ground, from the depths of its misery, he leads it into the recesses of His Heart where all its sins disappear instantly, consumed by the flames of love.

Jesus: Here, soul, are all the treasures of My Heart. Take everything you need from it.

Soul: O Lord, I am inundated with Your grace. I sense that a new life has entered into me and, above all, I feel Your love in my heart. That is enough for me. O Lord, I will glorify the omnipotence of Your mercy for all eternity. Encouraged by Your goodness, I will confide to You all the sorrows of my heart.

Jesus: Tell me all, My child, hide nothing from Me, because My loving Heart, the Heart of your Best Friend, is listening to you.

Soul: O Lord, now I see all my ingratitude and Your goodness. You were pursuing me with Your grace, while I was frustrating Your benevolence. I see that I deserve the depths of hell for spurning Your graces.

Jesus (interrupting): Do not be absorbed in your misery-you are still too weak to speak of it-but, rather, gaze on My Heart filled with goodness, and be imbued with My sentiments. Strive for meekness and humility; be merciful to others, as I am to you; and, when you feel your strength failing, if you come to the fountain of mercy to fortify your soul, you will not grow weary on your journey.

Soul: Now I understand Your mercy, which protects me, and like a brilliant star, leads me into the home of my Father, protecting me from the horrors of hell that I have deserved, not once, but a thousand times. O Lord, eternity will hardly suffice for me to give due praise to Your unfathomable mercy and Your compassion for me.

Impossible to read off of this without getting on my knees and saying “thank you” many times For I was and still am the poor soul.

Thank you,

Andy

 

[blessedtoo]

Last week, I heard a segment on Catholic radio. I can’t recall the name of the program, but it had to do with God giving up on evil people. The idea is that, if someone continually turns their back on God by living a completely evil life, that God will eventually stop sending that person graces.

This is in keeping with Biblical tradition. We are told in Scripture that God “turned them over to their evil desires”. As other posters have stated, if one’s is firm in their rejection of God, they have essentially made their choice and God will not force Himself upon them.

Essentially, that person’s heart is so hardened that the Holy Spirit has no chance to soften it. Is that true? I know some people who I believe have sunk to living evil lives. I can almost feel a “brick wall” when talking to them about God. Anyway, just wanted to hear some thoughts on this. I thought God never “gave up” on us.

We know that God is omniscient so clearly He knows who will reject Him for all eternity. What may appear to us as God “giving up” may simply be the unfolding of that soul’s fate. God knows if there will be a “chance” for conversion, even if this possibility remains unknown to us.

I pray for these “evil” people in my life constantly. It seems their hearts are closed. Should I give up?

Absolutely not. My parents prayed for me for 30 years. I believe those prayers saved me from rejecting God completely.

 

[Lief_Erikson]

My grandmother prayed for her husband for years, never pushing the gospel at him because that would have turned him away, but just praying for him, and it ended up working.

I have a question related to the whole “giving up” issue. If a sinner dies without accepting Jesus on this Earth, apparently that soul goes to hell. However, at the Second Coming, Jesus will judge that soul again on the day of the Final Judgment, and then the person will be assigned a place in hell again? This looks rather peculiar to me.

I think Dante describes in one of his books from the Divine Comedy people no longer having the same penalty after the Final Judgment as they have in their pre-Final Judgment hell. Is there still time for people to be saved after death, in hell, but before the Final Judgment?

If not, why have two different (post-Judgment Day and pre-Judgment Day) hells? And are the penalties for both going to be different or the same?