This question was posed to me recently during a disagreement concerning other things. Why this popped up, I don't know. I said let me think about that and pray about it. This person is a family member who is an alcoholic and very argumentative. He may or may not be a believer. I need wise counsel if that doesn't violate the rules of this website. I could have answered with "all things are permissible but not everything is beneficial," or love God, love people, but I don't think that's what I was supposed to say. I'm still praying about it. Thanks.
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I would say that God will allow humans to act with any intent they conceive (which, in the case of Christians, should be influenced by the Holy Spirit), but will also hold them accountable for that intent, while also working to modify the circumstances and consequences of actions arising from that intent, consistent with the promise with respect to believers that He will not allow them to be tempted beyond that which they are able to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13), and will also make all things work together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28) -- although that "good" may be from an eternal (rather than a temporal) perspective.
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