God's Love

[Spes509]

I’m not sure where to go; however, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed and thought I’d find refuge in the curious environment that the Internet provides. I’m
a Catholic who hasn’t practiced in far too long; I’m also a philosophy student–a detail
that may or may not be relevant. I’ve never denied the existence of God as I generally, though not uncritically, accept the classical foundations of Christian philosophy. With that being said, I do seriously question that curious and wholly incredible notion that God loves me–if one steps back to think about it, it really is a strange idea. I’m
so very small and the universe so very large. What reason would God have to suffer for me?

There are a number of issues I’ll need sort through related to finer points of theology and practice; however, I know that if I can sort through this hurdle, the rest of the journey will make far more sense.

Best wishes!

 

[jochoa]

I’m not sure where to go; however, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed and thought I’d find refuge in the curious environment that the Internet provides. I’m
a Catholic who hasn’t practiced in far too long; I’m also a philosophy student–a detail
that may or may not be relevant. I’ve never denied the existence of God as I generally, though not uncritically, accept the classical foundations of Christian philosophy. With that being said, I do seriously question that curious and wholly incredible notion that God loves me–if one steps back to think about it, it really is a strange idea. I’m
so very small and the universe so very large. What reason would God have to suffer for me?

There are a number of issues I’ll need sort through related to finer points of theology and practice; however, I know that if I can sort through this hurdle, the rest of the journey will make far more sense.

Best wishes!

I have definitely been in similar shoes. Here are my thoughts:
What reason would Go have to suffer for me?
There is an Amazing Peace and Happiness that comes from perfectly practicing Unconditional Love. God wants to share this incredible eternal joy with others, but cannot force it onto others. Therefore, there must be free will and desire. These two factors naturally generate selfishness and a conditional people. In order to reveal the effects of unconditional love, God must take on the qualities of humans (free will, desires, similar livelihood, etc.) and demonstrate unconditional love in the face of conditional hatred (crucifixion). From His life events, we are able to realize how unconditional patience and kindness yields amazing peace, eternal even.

I hope this helps!

 

[Luigi_G]

Remember one thing, and one thing only. It is not God who makes us suffer, it is Satan. Continue to pray with all your heart, and continue to do it. God bless.