With Osipov on the nature of God - my response
Osipov’s way of explaining God of justice vs. God of love dilemma is that only the second statement (God is love) is correct, see the earlier post. It turns out this is not necessarily a view that Russian Orthodox church holds. According to my brother Kirill’s comments, Russian Orthodox view is more balanced (God is a God of love and justice at the same time). And this is the view I agree with. However, as Kirill pointed out, there is a grain of truth in Osipov’s view. While God maybe a God of justice and love, he has chosen to treat us, Christians, those who are truly converted, with love only. To true Christians God is a God of love. Hence God never punishes us, only disciplines.
Just in case you are wondering how Protestants explain the paradox, I like Tim Keller’s view, which he mentions again and again in many of his sermons. God is just and loving at the same time. But the whole weight of his justice fell on Jesus so that all we (i.e. those who accept Jesus sacrifice) receive is love.