The ability to apply force is a necessary element of any stable society. In general, when people decry the use of force, they are actually criticizing the abuse of force.—Ecclesiastes 4:1-3. History provides no evidence that God ever abused his power. He does not rule by arbitrary force. He wants us to worship him out of love. (1 John 4:18, 19) When he chooses to use force, he always gives plenty of warning so that whoever wants to can take corrective steps. For example, when God destroyed the wicked in the Flood, it was after many years of warning. Anyone could have availed himself of the provision of the ark and survived. Only eight did. (1 Peter 3:19, 20; 2 Peter 2:5) It is Jehovah’s sense of justice and his love for people that will move him to rid the earth of those who abuse power and violently trample on the rights of others. This act of force will establish ideal conditions on the earth for all peace-loving humans who want it. (Psalm 37:10, 11; Nahum 1:9) Thus God’s government will be justified and forever vindicated.
