Holy Wrestling: Genocide, Judgment, and the Goodness of God

How can a good God allow — or even command — acts of judgment that seem to cost innocent lives? In this deeply honest and theologically rich episode of Seeds of Grace Reflections, we wrestle with one of the hardest questions in the Christian faith: the tension between God’s goodness and the violence found in Scripture. Rather than offering easy answers or tidy explanations, this conversation invites listeners to sit with the complexity. Together, we explore ancient warfare language, the nature of divine justice, the reality of systemic sin, and the spiritual dimension behind biblical conflict. We look closely at the stories of Canaan and Egypt, the death of the firstborn, the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart, and the question that haunts many believers — what about the children? Through it all, this episode returns again and again to the character of God as revealed in Scripture: slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and unwavering in justice. This is not an attempt to soften the weight of these passages, but to face them honestly — with theology as our guide and Christ as our anchor. If you’ve ever struggled with doubt, discomfort, or unanswered questions about God’s justice, this episode reminds you: faith is not weakened by wrestling — it is often strengthened there.