What Would God Do? Answering Life’S Toughest Questions

We all face difficult decisions in life. Sometimes the choice between right and wrong seems unclear. In those moments, it can be helpful to stop and ask yourself: What would God do?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: God would always choose the most loving, compassionate, and wise option. He would put others before Himself and avoid actions that could hurt or exploit people.

In this in-depth article, we’ll explore what God would do when faced with some of life’s toughest questions and decisions. We’ll look at Biblical principles and examples that provide guidance. By understanding God’s nature and priorities, we can make choices that align with His will.

God Would Forgive, Even When It’s Difficult

Forgiving Others Reflects God’s Mercy

As fallible human beings, we have all made mistakes that have hurt others. Yet God calls us to reflect His perfect mercy by extending grace and forgiveness even when it seems impossible (Matthew 18:21-22).

Just as we desire God’s pardon for our own wrongs, we must choose to forgive those who have wronged us rather than harboring resentment or seeking revenge. This allows relationships to be restored and communities to heal.

Though incredibly challenging at times, forgiving others brings peace to our souls knowing we have embodied God’s reconciling love.

Bitterness Only Hurts Us; Forgiveness Brings Freedom

Holding on to bitterness over past wrongs poisons our mind and steals our joy. But forgiveness sets us free, even if the other person never apologizes or changes (Luke 17:3-4). We forgive for our benefit first because the soul cannot thrive while clinging to old wounds and grievances.

As we release others from condemnation, our own hearts become lighter and more carefree. We create space for God’s grace to bring emotional and spiritual healing. Of course, setting healthy boundaries with toxic people is important for self-care.

But we cross a line when we wish them harm or fail to see their humanity. By asking God to soften our heart toward those who hurt us, incredible freedom is found.

God Would Love the Marginalized and Defend the Vulnerable

Jesus Reached Out to Outcasts

Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently went out of His way to spend time with and show love to those rejected by society. He dined with “tax collectors and sinners” (Matthew 9:10-11), conversed with a Samaritan woman (John 4:1-42), and healed lepers who were considered ceremonially unclean (Luke 17:11-19).

Christ embraced those marginalized by cultural norms and religious leaders. His example challenges us to evaluate our own hearts – do we avoid or befriend those deemed “unpopular” by our circles? Are we willing to get outside our comfort zones to show God’s heart of compassion to all people?

Jesus also told stories highlighting God’s heart for the lost and overlooked, like the good shepherd pursuing the one lost sheep while leaving the 99 (Luke 15:3-7). Through His ministry and teaching, Christ made it clear that no one is too far gone for God’s redemptive love.

He intentionally spent time among outwardly immoral people to demonstrate that we all need grace, and that God cares deeply for those society has discarded. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His open heart and open arms towards those marginalized and overlooked in our day.

God Expects Us to Protect the Vulnerable

Throughout Scripture, God shows special concern for vulnerable groups like orphans, widows, foreigners and the poor. He gives clear instructions for His people to defend the defenseless. “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.

Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” (Psalm 82:3-4). God holds His people accountable for how we treat society’s most vulnerable members.

Unfortunately, many of the vulnerable are still overlooked or mistreated today – immigrants, the impoverished, the elderly, racial minorities, the unborn and more. God cares deeply about each one made in His image. And as Christ-followers, we are called to be His hands and feet of compassion.

We can make a difference through volunteering, donating, advocating for better laws and policies, and being a true neighbor to those in need around us. Who is vulnerable or marginalized in your community? Ask God to open your eyes to their plight, and to show you how to make a difference.

Our call to “defend the weak and the fatherless” is just as relevant today (Psalm 82:3). God moves through His people to make wrongs right. He equips us to be a voice for the voiceless and bring hope to the marginalized.

Our role is to listen to His guidance and courageously take action as His hands and feet.

God Would Renounce Hatred and Promote Peace

Hatred is Not God’s Way

God is love (1 John 4:8), and He calls us to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34). Hatred is the opposite of God’s nature and His command to us. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Jesus taught us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). He modeled this radical love by forgiving and praying for those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). We are called to follow Christ’s example by rejecting hatred and retaliation against those who wrong us.

The Bible says God “makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good” (Matthew 5:45). His gracious love extends to all people, not just those who love Him back. We fail to represent God’s heart when we harbor hatred against those who are different from us.

Blessed are the Peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). As God’s children, we are commissioned to be ministers of reconciliation and ambassadors of Christ’s peace (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

Jesus pronounced a blessing on those who actively work to make peace through nonviolent means. Peacemakers reflect God’s peace-loving and nonviolent character. They diffuse tensions and bring unity where there is division and strife.

The early church provided a powerful example of peacemaking. Jews and Gentiles who had long been divided were reconciled into one body through Christ (Ephesians 2:14-18). Even in the face of persecution, the church promoted peace.

God calls all Christians to be peacemakers in their families, churches, communities and world. As peacemakers, we point others to the Prince of Peace and the peace He offers to all who put their trust in Him (Isaiah 9:6; John 14:27).

God Would Be Generous and Care for the Poor

God Commands Us to Give Generously

God calls us to be generous and care for those in need. Throughout the Bible, there are over 2,000 verses about serving the poor and vulnerable (see https://www.openbible.info/topics/serving_the_poor). Jesus told the rich young ruler to “sell your possessions and give to the poor” (Luke 18:22).

He said our generosity towards others will be rewarded in heaven (Luke 14:12-14). The early church shared possessions and resources so that no one was in need (Acts 4:32-35).

God promises to bless those who are generous. As Proverbs 19:17 states: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” When we serve the disadvantaged, it’s like we’re serving God himself.

Studies show that givers experience greater happiness and life satisfaction than non-givers (see https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/5_ways_giving_is_good_for_you). As we imitate God’s generosity, our souls are nourished.

Serving the Underprivileged Honors God

Caring for marginalized people brings glory to God. When Jesus pictured the final judgment, serving “the least of these” was equated with serving him (Matthew 25:31-46). Efforts to reduce poverty, hunger and preventable disease are Kingdom work.

Non-profits fighting injustice are answering God’s call for compassion. Our outreach honors Christ’s example, as he touched lepers, healed the sick, and fed the hungry.

Followers of Jesus must combat indifference towards suffering. Research shows that Christians donate more money and volunteer more hours than non-religious people (see statistics). Still, billions languish in extreme poverty while affluent nations have abundance.

With global crises like COVID-19, droughts, and inflation, the poor need support now more than ever. If we have the means to help, yet turn a blind eye, our faith rings hollow (James 2:14-17). As 1 John 3:17 states, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” Sacrificial giving demonstrates Christ’s love.

God Would Value Integrity Over Personal Gain

Acting with integrity, even when it comes at personal cost, is one of the core values that God would want us to live by. Though it may seem expedient in the moment to cut corners or compromise one’s ethics, God cares more about our moral character than material success.

Living with integrity demonstrates trust in God’s provision and care for our needs.

God Desires Truthfulness

Truthfulness is an essential component of integrity. God abhors lies and deception, which corrode relationships and undermine trust. As it says in Proverbs 12:22, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”

Jesus himself declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). An integral life aligned with God’s values is fundamentally honest and transparent.

This means more than just avoiding blatant lies. Half-truths, exaggerated claims, plagiarism, and evasive language would all disappoint God. Instead, God calls us to engage in sincere, open communication that builds trust and reflects Christ’s light.

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).

The Ends Don’t Justify Unethical Means

Though it can be tempting to rationalize unethical actions to achieve a “greater good,” God cares more about our moral integrity than results. As Paul wrote, “We do not do evil so that good may result” (Romans 3:8). The ends do not justify unrighteous means.

This principle applies even when upholding ethical standards seems to come at great personal cost. Daniel’s three friends refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue even under threat of death, trusting that God would deliver them (Daniel 3).

God may or may not choose to rescue us from negative earthly consequences, but He will honor those who honor righteousness. “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out” (Proverbs 10:9).

Rather than obsessing over outcomes, God wants us to focus on living each moment with moral courage and wisdom. Our calling is to uphold what is good and right in God’s eyes, trusting Him with the results.

Though it may seem counterintuitive in our achievement-driven world, God’s definition of success has more to do with character than accomplishments.

Conclusion

When facing difficult decisions, we don’t have to guess what God would do. Through Biblical principles and Jesus’ example, it’s clear God would choose love, mercy, justice, generosity, and integrity. Though it can be challenging, making choices aligned with God’s character will lead to freedom and fulfillment.

Next time you’re unsure about what’s right, ask yourself ‘What would God do?’ Let His timeless wisdom guide your steps.