does God ? punish unbelievers in this life?

[tangle sticks]

as we look back on some of the leaders in government in history.
we find some horrendious crimes that some leaders have commited against people..

a christian Does'nt blame God for others sin's against humanity.But he understands that gods permissive will is still Gods will .
and that This earthly life is all peoples time of grace . The time God has alloted to every one to hear the gospel of his undeserved love for all found "only" in Jesus.

You take a unbeliever whos family has been killed as a result of government or other circumstances and they will quickly blame some sort of god . with out Jesus they find and their is no god of grace .

God remains hidden to them and to them he seems to be a tyrant that only cares about punishment.

But the person who knows the God of Grace they know God reavels his love to them only in Jesus and if there family is killed . they miss there loved ones just as much as the other unbelieving person but their is certain hope in their heart . a hope that can never fail them because of Jesus.

the unbeliever believes he is being punished by some sort of god

and the believer knows God will work even the bad out to their and their family's good.
all For the sake of Jesus. who lived a perfect sinless life for them and died for their mountains of sin's and rose again! proving God has aproved of God the Son's atonement work ;that justifing work accomplished for all! but trusted in by so few..

[Tyrant]

Yes, I do think GOD punishes unbelievers, or perhaps lets everyday circumstances (as a result of sin) happen. But thank be to GOD for that, have you ever noticed that people tend to turn towards GOD in times of pain and trial. Albeit that some get angry at GOD when the pressure is turned up (I believe and must admit, to my shame, I have been angry with GOD). But GOD also punishes saved Christians also. What can I say, sin pierces us all!:(

[a.baker]

I wanted to add what you said Tyrant. It could also be His way of guiding and teaching us His way and His timing and a way to remind us who is in control and like you said, to bring us closer to Him.

And for others... think of how a parent (with good morals I must add) shows their child right from wrong. It may not always be justified to put a label as punishment on it. i.e. Your child wants to make a sandwich and has a wonderful idea of what to make, but you as a parent sees their heart and thinks that they are wonderful with their idea for many reasons , but as you see them getting the step stool to grab that knife to cut their sandwich, you quickly grab them knowing they might hurt themselves. They are too young to use a knife yet. The child than throws a fit and doesn't understand why they aren't ready to cut their sandwich and why you never let them do what they want to do (ha ha my daughter). And with the child you explain and explain over again in many ways why its not safe; and they walk away confused and maybe even mad at you. But throughout you raising them they understand, learn and trust you as their parent. Sorry so long winded but I am sure you can see where this is going and so on.

[CoreIssue]

I agree with both of you. God does punish Christians, but as correction, not a judge and jury.

But make no mistake, his correction can be very painful.