Does God love those in hell?

I. Understanding the Nature of God’s Love

God’s love is frequently highlighted throughout Scripture as an essential aspect of His character. “God is love” (1 John 4:16) plainly declares that all His dealings with humanity are grounded in His holiness, righteousness, and mercy. This love is revealed in many ways: through creation, providence, redemption, and the offer of salvation in Christ.

Yet, divine love must also be properly understood in light of God’s justice and holiness. Scripture affirms that God does not derive love from external sources but that He Himself is the foundation of love, always acting out of His righteous nature. His desire to save is reflected in verses like 2 Peter 3:9, which says He is “not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.”

II. The Biblical Depiction of Hell

Hell is presented in Scripture as an actual, conscious place of separation from the full blessing and presence of God. Matthew 25:46 describes it as “eternal punishment,” while 2 Thessalonians 1:9 speaks of being “shut out from the presence of the Lord.” Revelation 20:14–15 describes the “lake of fire” as the final judgment. These passages underscore that hell is a real consequence for those who have rejected God’s grace.

The existence of hell does not undermine God’s love but highlights the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine justice. As the righteous Judge (Psalm 7:11; Acts 17:31), God upholds perfect justice. Thus, those who choose to remain estranged from God’s forgiveness bear the penalty of sin themselves (Romans 6:23). The thoroughness of God’s mercy is seen in His provision of salvation through Christ, yet the starkness of hell clarifies that divine love does not negate divine holiness.

III. The Tension: Does God Continue to Love Those in Hell?

A key question arises: does this place of punishment mean that God stops loving people who are in hell? Scripture indicates that God’s love is universal in scope (John 3:16) and that He showed His love for humanity by sending His Son to die (Romans 5:8). Nowhere does the Bible state that God’s loving nature ceases to be true in relation to any person or group.

However, love does not equate to approval or acceptance of unrepentant rebellion. Isaiah 59:2 says that iniquities “have separated you from your God.” Hell reflects that separation fully realized. Though God is omnipresent (Psalm 139:7–8), those in hell experience the removal of His favorable presence and the full weight of His just judgment.

From a Scriptural perspective, it can be affirmed that God’s nature, including His love, is not abolished in the realm of the lost. What changes is the individual’s experiential relationship with His grace, since they have persistently rejected it.

IV. Biblical Evidence of God’s Grieving Over Judgment

Multiple biblical passages show that God grieves over the destruction of the wicked, reflecting His heart of compassion. In Ezekiel 18:23, the Lord asks, “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? … Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” This indicates that while He lovingly offers mercy, He must also uphold His justice against sin.

Lamentations 3:33 confirms that the Lord “does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men.” The heartbreak expressed here underscores that punishment is never administered casually or in the absence of love. The punishment of sin, though endorsed by God’s justice, does not invalidate His compassion.

V. Love, Freedom, and Eternal Consequences

Divine love includes genuine freedom for humanity to respond. Throughout Scripture, God calls people to “choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). When individuals ultimately reject His invitation of salvation (Hebrews 2:3), they face separation from Him.

Further, the universal call of salvation demonstrates God’s loving desire: “He wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). However, those who freely refuse it remain outside of His redemptive grace, which leads to condemnation (John 3:18–19). Love does not force acceptance; it extends the offer of mercy even as it honors the decision to reject that mercy.

VI. The Consistency with Historic Christian Thought

Throughout church history, theologians have balanced God’s love with His holiness. For instance, Augustine and other early writers emphasized that God never ceases to be who He is (unchanging, loving, and just), even regarding the damned. While not found directly in the biblical text, ancient churches often inscribed references to John 3:16 and similar passages in their catacombs, upholding the belief that Christ’s love is offered to all but is only beneficial to those who believe. Even in condemnation, God’s essential nature of love does not evaporate.

VII. Practical Reflection and Humility

The topic of hell and God’s love calls believers to a deep humility and reverence. It underscores the urgency of sharing the gospel, for the prospect of anyone spending eternity separated from God is sobering. At the same time, it fosters a profound appreciation for the cross, where Christ bore the penalty due to sinners (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24).

Such truths inspire gratitude and worship, recognizing that God, in His love, has made a way of escape from condemnation. This love is offered freely: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

VIII. Conclusion

God’s love is unchanging and universal in its offer, yet His holiness ensures that unrepentant sin will ultimately be punished. The biblical portrayal of hell is consistent with both His perfect justice and His love. While humanity might struggle to reconcile these truths, Scripture affirms that God grieves over judgment yet holds firm to righteous standards.

Those in hell remain objects of God’s creative love, but their experience of His presence is one of judgment rather than restoration, due to their rejection of His saving grace. Neither hell nor punishment eliminates the reality of God’s loving nature. Instead, it magnifies the gravity of human choice and the depth of God’s mercy found in Christ.

In answering the question “Does God love those in hell?” Scripture indicates that His love endures in His very being. However, the refused grace and persistent rebellion of the lost result in a state of eternal separation, demonstrating that though God’s love remains an attribute of His character, the experience of it is tragically forfeited by those who reject Him.