Does God punish people by making their loved ones sick because that person didn't want something to occur?

Sincerely,
Guilty Conscience

Dear Guilty Conscience,

We couldn’t say what God has or hasn’t done in a specific circumstance.  However, we can provide some general principles regarding life for you to consider.

1. We reap what we sow (Gal 6:7-8).  The choices we make have consequences in this life – and in the next.  What you do affects you and those around you that you come in contact with.  When you behave godly, certain things happen; when you behave sinfully, other things happen.  That is a universal principle of life.
2. God is always fair and just (Deu 32:4).  God doesn’t make bad decisions.  If (emphasis upon the ‘if’) God had a hand in causing someone you love to be sick… He has a reason.  God loves mankind and always seeks what is in our long-term best interests (Jhn 3:16).
3. Sometimes bad things simply happen because they happen.  Job suffered greatly and lost his children, but it wasn’t his fault.  Job hadn’t done anything wrong, nor had his kids.  It all happened because Satan wanted to do evil (Job 1:6).  As long as we live in this world of sin, there will be troubles.  Sometimes, there isn’t anyone at fault.
4. God causes all things to work together for good for those who love him (Rom 8:28).  No matter what has happened in the past, if we love God and turn to Him, He will make everything turn out for the positive.  We can’t tell you how, but in His great wisdom, He can turn even the worst of scenarios into a long-term benefit.

We here at AYP cannot imagine what heartache you must be going through if someone you dearly love is sick.  We wish you the very best during this trying time and will pray that all turns out well.

My question is concerning two aspects of our court system in the United States. The first is that I feel that I would not feel right about being asked to participate on a jury in a death-penalty eligible case.  Wouldn't this be opposed to the teachings of Matthew 7:1-2, or is it okay when this is the law as established by our government?  And secondly, I would not feel comfortable "swearing in" as it seems to contradict what we are told in James 5:12.  Is this wrong, and if so, what happens if you refuse to be sworn in due to your religious beliefs?

Sincerely,
Jury Pool

Dear Jury Pool,

Let’s address the death penalty case first.  God has given the government the authority to issue capital punishment upon criminals.  God told Israel to stone wicked people in certain circumstances (Lev 20:27).  Paul says that God gives governments “the sword”; they are a minister of God and an avenger of wrath to those that do evil (Rom 13:4).  When you are a juror, you are functioning as a part of the government, and therefore, have every right to cast your vote accordingly.

The second part of your question deals with taking oaths and “swearing in” at a court hearing.  When James says not to swear (Jas 5:12), he is reiterating what Christ said (Matt 5:36-37).  These verses are addressing a specific problem with people swearing frivolous and only considering their words binding if they are part of an official oath.  The Pharisees and scribes had become experts at finding loopholes to avoid the responsibilities of keeping their word (Matt 23:16-22).  It isn’t the taking of an oath that is the problem – but when we consider an oath as different from a normal promise.  Even God took an oath (Heb 6:13).  The book of Hebrews uses oath-keeping as a positive example (Heb 6:16).  Paul called upon God as his witness (1 Cor 1:23).  Jesus responded immediately when asked to take an oath that He was the Christ (Matt 26:63-64).  Jesus’ teaching on oaths is that whether formal or informal, our ‘yes’ should be ‘yes’ (Matt 5:37).

I am wondering if you could offer a biblical answer to the following confusion I have had over the topic of sin and whether it is forgotten by God as Heb 8:12 would indicate.  Or will we have to account for all of our life's sins on the Judgement Day and have them forgiven if we have obeyed God's Word?  I have heard entire sermons preached on how we will have to give an account for every word and action before God on the Day of Judgement.  I looked for the scripture to back this up, but I could not find it to reference in my question.  Thank you!

Sincerely,
Keeping A Tally

Dear Keeping A Tally,

We will all need to answer for the lives that we lead on this earth, but christians will not be judged for their sins; instead, they will be forgiven.  God says that everyone will give an account to Him for the life that they lead (Rom 14:12).  In fact, in the case of elders, they will give account for not only themselves, but also for the congregation they were to watch over (Heb 13:17).  The Scriptures teach that we will all face God on the Judgment Day (Heb 9:27).

However, christians will not be judged when they give account; they will be forgiven (Jhn 3:18, Lk 6:37).  For us, it will be a joyous day when we go home to our Father and are finally free of the burdens of this life.  Through Jesus, we can come to the Father without fear (Jhn 14:6).

Does the Bible say anything about caffeine?

Sincerely,
Wired

Dear Wired,

Nope.  Much to the joy and relief of those of us in the Pacific Northwest, the Bible never says anything about caffeine, and it certainly never says it is a sin.  The Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as the Mormon church, strictly forbids the use of caffeine… but the Bible never does.

The Bible tells us to take care of our bodies (1 Cor 6:19).  God also warns against gluttony (Pr 23:21).  There is much debate over the effects of caffeine upon the body, but no studies are conclusive enough that one could condemn all use of caffeine.  Caffeine, like all other consumables, should be used with moderation and balance… but it isn’t wrong.

If it is considered humane to “put down” a dog or a cat that is suffering, why isn’t it humane to “put down” a human that is suffering?

Sincerely,
PETA Progressive

Dear PETA Progressive,

Because people aren’t dogs.  Animals and humans may share some similarities between their physical bodies – but humans have eternal souls.  The key verse to understanding this topic is Eccl 3:21.  Human spirits are made in the image of God (Gen 1:26), unlike animals.  When people die, our souls go to God and await the judgment (Heb 9:27).  When animals die, they simply cease to exist.

The difference between humans and animals can only be appreciated through God’s Word.  Without the insight that the Bible gives us into the Creation, we would never know that there is a difference in value between a human and a cow.  Human life has inherent value because God says so.  Without God’s Word, we’d never know.