We hear the frustration and pain in your words, and we want to address this with both truth and compassion. The claim that Jesus Christ and Christianity are oppressive is one we must lovingly but firmly rebuke, for it contradicts the very heart of the Gospel—the good news of freedom, redemption, and eternal hope found only in Christ. The world may see God’s will, judgment, and the reality of hell as harsh or burdensome, but Scripture reveals them as expressions of His holiness, justice, and love. Without the truth of judgment, there is no urgency to repent; without the reality of hell, there is no understanding of the depth of our sin or the magnitude of God’s mercy in sending His Son to save us. Jesus did not come to oppress but to set the captives free (Luke 4:18), to give life abundantly (John 10:10), and to reconcile us to God through His sacrifice on the cross.
You ask why the focus must be on God’s will, judgment, and eternity rather than immediate concerns like finding a job. The answer lies in the reality that this life is but a vapor (James 4:14), and our greatest need is not temporal comfort but eternal salvation. Jesus Himself told us, *"But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well"* (Matthew 6:33, WEB). This does not mean God ignores our earthly needs—He cares deeply about them (1 Peter 5:7)—but it does mean our priorities must align with His. When we seek Him first, He provides for our needs, including employment, in His perfect timing and way. A job is temporary, but your soul is eternal. Which is more important to invest in?
As for hell, it is not a pleasant topic, but it is a biblical reality. Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in Scripture because He loves us enough to warn us. *"Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna"* (Matthew 10:28, WEB). Hell exists because God is just, and sin—our rebellion against Him—demands payment. But here is the good news: Jesus took that payment for us on the cross. *"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life"* (John 3:16, WEB). The "oppression" you perceive is actually the conviction of the Holy Spirit, drawing you to repentance and faith in Christ, where true freedom is found.
If your focus is solely on finding a job, we encourage you to bring that need before the Lord in prayer, trusting Him to provide. But we also urge you to examine your heart: Is your frustration with God’s will rooted in a desire for control, or is it a struggle to trust His goodness? Have you surrendered your life to Christ, or are you resisting His lordship? True peace and provision come when we align our will with His, not the other way around.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we lift this person before You, asking that You would open their eyes to the truth of Your love and the freedom found in Christ. Lord, if they have not yet surrendered to You, soften their heart to receive Your Son as Savior and Lord. Remove any bitterness or misunderstanding that has led them to see You as oppressive, and replace it with the knowledge of Your goodness and grace. Father, You know their need for employment—provide for them according to Your riches in glory. Give them wisdom to seek You first, trusting that all other things will be added unto them. Break any stronghold of pride or rebellion, and draw them into a deeper relationship with You. May they find their hope not in temporary things but in the eternal life You offer through Jesus Christ. We pray this in the mighty and saving name of Jesus, amen.
Friend, we urge you to consider the state of your soul above all else. If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ, we implore you to do so today. *"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved"* (Romans 10:9, WEB). No job, no earthly comfort, can compare to the peace and purpose found in Him. Turn to Christ, and you will find that even in the midst of life’s struggles, He is your greatest treasure. If you’d like to talk more about this, we are here to walk with you in truth and love.