Dear Church,
One of the most remarkable truths about our God is not only that He is all powerful, but that He chooses not to rule His people by force. From the beginning, God has desired willing hearts, not coerced compliance. He calls. He invites. He commands. But He does not compel love or obedience through coercion.
Throughout Scripture, God places choices before His people. Moses stood before Israel and said, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19). Joshua echoed the same truth generations later when he declared, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). The very language of Scripture assumes the reality of human response. God does not drag anyone into faithfulness.
Jesus carried this same principle into His teaching. He invited people to follow Him, but He never forced them to do so. When the rich young ruler turned away sorrowful, Jesus did not chase him down or alter the cost of discipleship. When many disciples walked away because His teaching was difficult, Jesus allowed them to leave and simply asked the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” (John 6:67). Love that is forced is no love at all.
Obedience that comes from pressure, fear, or manipulation may produce outward conformity, but it will never produce faithful hearts. God desires obedience that flows from trust, gratitude, and love. “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Love comes first. Obedience follows.
This truth should shape how we view our relationship with God and with one another. Faithfulness cannot be imposed. Growth cannot be demanded. Repentance cannot be manufactured. Each soul must decide whether it will submit to the lordship of Christ. Our role is to teach, encourage, warn, and model truth, but never to coerce.
At the same time, God’s refusal to coerce does not mean He is indifferent. Choices carry consequences. Grace does not eliminate responsibility. God patiently calls, but He also honors the decisions people make. He allows us the dignity of choice, even when those choices break His heart.
Let us obey not because we are forced, but because we are convinced. Let us serve not out of fear of punishment, but out of gratitude for mercy. Let us follow Christ not because we are pressured by others, but because we are compelled by love.
Make the choice to choose faithfulness daily. May our obedience be sincere, thoughtful, and joyful. And may the world see in us a faith that is not coerced but freely given to the One who first loved us.