Ask Fr. Bitaju ( Kairos Global, May 2026, Issue 98 )

Q. What's your take on permissive and perfect will?

The concepts of ‘permissive will’ and ‘perfect will’ are theological distinctions often discussed in relation to God’s sovereignty and human free will.

Perfect Will: God’s perfect will refers to His divine plan and intention for creation, which aligns with His goodness and ultimate purpose. This is the ideal situation that God desires for humanity, characterised by holiness, love, and communion with Him. In this context, God’s perfect will encompasses His commandments and teaching, which guide humanity toward the fullness of life and salvation. For example, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, ‘God’s will is for all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth’ (1 Timothy 2:4; CCC 1037). 

Permissive Will:  God’s permissive will, on the other hand, refers to the reality that God allows certain events or actions to occur, even if they are contrary to His perfect will. This allowance does not imply that God desires these actions or events; rather, it acknowledges the gift of human free will. God permits sin and suffering as a consequence of human choices, but He can bring good out of these situations. According to the Catechism ‘God is in no way, directly or indirectly, the cause of evil’ (CCC 311).  

Human Free Will: The distinction between permissive and perfect will highlights the relationship between God’s sovereignty and human freedom.  While God has a perfect plan for humanity, He respects human free will, allowing individuals to make choices that may lead them away from that plan. This respect for free will is essential to the nature of love; true love cannot be coerced but must be freely given.  

Theological Implications: Understanding these two aspects of God’s will can help believers reconcile the existence of evil and suffering with the belief in a good and omnipotent God. While God’s perfect will is for good, His permissive will allows for the reality of human sin and suffering, which can ultimately lead to greater good, such as repentance, growth in virtue, and a deeper reliance on God’s grace.  

In conclusion we can say that the concepts of ‘permissive’ and ‘perfect’ will align with the Church’s teachings on God’s sovereignty, human free will and the mystery of evil. God’s perfect will reflects His divine intention for humanity, while His permissive will acknowledges the reality of human choices and the consequences that arise from them. This understanding encourages believers to trust in God’s ultimate plan, even amidst the complexities of life.