For me judgment cannot be understood without starting with the concept that God is love. He is love; He does not act outside of what is loving. He is not insecure with a bruised ego pouring out wrath on the earth. He desires that all would be saved, everyone. We know that obviously all will not be saved, but understanding the posture of God’s heart is key. He is in no way threatened by man’s sin or rebellion; we do not have that power over Him.

Is God Angry?

In response to the Father’s love, many ask about God’s anger. I believe He gets angry. I believe He gets angry at the way sin hurts people but not for the above stated reasons.  

Boundaries

From that basis, consider a very loving parent with a rebellious son, or a loving husband with a wandering spouse. God Himself uses language like this in the scripture. Healthy discipline uses boundaries rather than punishment—not rescuing the person, but allowing the wayward one to reap the consequences of their actions. There is a way to discipline without devaluing the person.

The Coming Perfect Storm, John Paul Jackson

John Paul Jackson in “The Coming Perfect Storm” says it well: “Crisis is the fruit of following the wrong god. God allows (allows is clearly different from pours out) calamities to happen in order to draw us to Himself. God allows us to reap the fruit of that which we serve. Walking in God’s ways brings blessings and fruitfulness of life, while walking in the ways of the god of this world will bring the fruit of the god of this world: decay, destruction, deterioration, and death. Throughout scripture, when crisis hit the people of God, they turned their hearts to Him and He heard and took action on their behalf. (Jer.29:12, 13). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3MnvN0IE0s

God is not out to punish us, we merely reap what we’ve sown. He disciplines us like sons (Heb.12:7,8), demonstrating His great love and value for us the whole time.