Today’s 333 Devotional: “God’s Unchanging Love”

Does God ever change? Through the prophet Malachi, God said, “I the Lord do not change.” (Malachi 3:6)

But we also read numerous examples of God changing due to the people’s repentance. In fact, this is actually a promise God gives.

“Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from his evil way. Then I will relent and not bring on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done.” (Jeremiah 26:3)

God is creating an opportunity for people to turn from their evil ways and escape His intended punishment.

So, when the Lord said, “I do not change,” what is God’s unchangeable nature? May I suggest that it’s His love and purpose to bless us! I believe this is indeed the case when through Malachi the Lord went on to say, “So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.” (Malachi 3:6)

When we turn away from God and rebel against His word, then He changes His method of blessing and turns it into punishment. But He does so not to hurt us, but to bring us back into relationship with Him.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

When we repent of our evil and rebellion, of our sin, then God relents, that is, He changes His method from punishment to blessing.

This is the heart of God. Look at what He said through the prophet Ezekiel.

“If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin, he will die for it; because of the sin he has committed he will die. But if a wicked man turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life.” (Ezekiel 18:26-27)

In grace God relents of His judgment when we repent of our sins. Therefore, God’s love toward us is unchanging.