God Can't: How to Believe in God and Love after Tragedy, Abuse, and Other Evils

by Thomas Jay Oord

what is love? Love is purposeful action in relation to God and others that aims to do good. Love advances well-being. It fosters flourishing, abundant life, and blessedness. To put it formally, to love is to act intentionally, in response to God and others, to promote overall well-being. God’s love always works for the good, because God is love.

Love does not overrule or override. It does “not force itself on others,” to quote the Apostle Paul (1 Cor. 13:5). Love does not manipulate, dominate, or dictate in ways that allow no response. Love does not control.