The saying “the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away” is familiar to many, often heard at funerals or when someone experiences a significant loss.
This phrase, from Job 1:20-21, is frequently used to comfort the grieving, suggesting that God both bestows blessings and takes them.
How does this interpretation make you feel? Would you feel comfortable introducing such a God to others?
This verse has led many believers to question their faith, losing confidence in God’s love and support. Some have even turned away from their beliefs entirely.
Others are left uncertain about God’s nature, wondering if He is inconsistent – benevolent one day and evil the next, bringing various hardships upon humanity.
Like many, I once shared these doubts. However, I’ve come to realize how this interpretation of the verse had robbed me of joy in my faith.
Now, I have a different understanding of God’s true nature and His intentions for humanity.
I invite you to approach this verse with an open mind as we examine it together. I believe you’ll find this exploration enlightening and perhaps gain a new perspective on its meaning.
BRIEF EXEGESIS ON THE BOOK OF JOB
In earlier discussions, I’ve noted that the Old Testament doesn’t provide a complete revelation of God.
People of that time often attributed all events to God, and their understanding of His nature evolved gradually.
For a deeper exploration of this topic, you might find my article “Is God in control of making some rich and others poor?” helpful.
Secondly, their knowledge of God came from many stories that made God appear to be good sometimes, and other times evil, they never knew God’s character for themselves as in;
Job 42:5, says: “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.”
The phrase “heard of thee by the hearing of the ear” suggests that Job’s understanding of God was initially based on second-hand information – various ideas, stories, and belief systems that he had encountered about God’s nature.
However, Job’s statement doesn’t end there. He goes on to say, “But now mine eye seeth thee,” indicating a profound shift in his perception.
This mixed depiction or second-hand information about God’s character has led to a belief system that has often prevented believers from fully embracing God’s goodness.
To clarify this, let’s consider Job’s life. He lived with fear and sin consciousness, frequently offering sacrifices not out of love or faith, but from fear for his children.
Job himself said, “What I greatly feared has come upon me.” Job 3 vs 25.
If we believe it was God who afflicted Job or tested him with evil and hardships, only to bless him later, how do we reconcile this with Christ’s words?
Jesus said He came to give abundant life, and that it’s the devil who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. John 10 vs 10.
Which would you accept the sayings of Job or the Words of Christ?
To truly understand God and His character, it’s crucial to consistently examine Christ’s words and actions.
Jesus alone fully reveals God’s heart and character;
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” Hebrews 1 vs 3
In some translations, it’s rendered as:
“He is the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person.”
This verse emphasizes that Jesus is the perfect representation or manifestation of God’s nature and character.
It suggests that to understand God’s true character, you should look to Jesus.
WHY DOES GOD GIVE AND TAKE AWAY?
From the explanation above it is quite clear that God doesn’t give and then take away because it is not consistent with his character.
God gives and he keeps giving as James calls him the “giving God” (James 1 vs 5) what a beautiful way to qualify God – hallelujah!!
When you go through the Epistles and the ministry of Jesus you would find him healing the sick, healing all oppressed of the Devil, and offering salvation and forgiveness to sinners.
Look at the following scriptures below that show God’s generosity and His heart for giving to us and not taking away:
James 1:17: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Matthew 7:11: “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Romans 8:32: “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
Luke 12:32: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
DOES GOD TAKE AWAY BLESSINGS WHEN WE SIN?
If Jesus has already paid the price for sin and its consciousness, why would God take something away from you for falling short? Hebrews 10 vs 1 – 3, Hebrews 10 vs 14, and Hebrews 9 vs 28.
The idea that God is waiting to punish us for our mistakes is a misconception that has been propagated for a long time. Is this truly reflective of God’s nature? No.
Consider Cain, who murdered his brother Abel. Despite seemingly being cursed, when he complained that his punishment was too severe, he went on to build an entire city, not just a house or mansion. Genesis 4 vs 13 – 17.
Romans reminds us that because of Jesus’ sacrifice, our sins are no longer held against us. There’s no longer a record of our shortcomings. Romans 4 vs 7- 8 and II Corinthians 5 vs 19.
“That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”
This may seem too good to be true, but it’s the essence of the Gospel we preach.
Christ died for us while we were still sinners, not when we were doing good. This demonstrates the depth of God’s love for humanity. Romans 5 vs 5 – 8.
Reflect on the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The son who left home and squandered his inheritance was welcomed back by his father with generosity and love, without even having to ask for it.
The son expected rejection but instead was fully reinstated as a son. Luke 15 vs 11-32.
God doesn’t operate on a “give and take away” basis. He gives generously to everyone without finding fault and shows goodness even to the unthankful.
Blessings!
My passion lies in reaching out to young adults in communities and schools, witnessing the transformative power of faith in their lives.
This blog extends my ministry, sharing insights, encouraging believers, and exploring Christ's teachings in daily life.
Welcome, Brother James.
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