The Attributes of God
Attributes are those characteristics or qualities that are an inherent part of someone. It’s vital that every living soul learn God’s attributes in order to truly know, love, and worship Him.
When dealing with God, holiness is perfection, absolute purity, and having no sin.
“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (I Peter 1:16)
“For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.” (Hebrews 7:26)
Justice is to give what one rightly deserves and is a necessary attribute of God because of His holiness. Justice does not contradict God’s love but, instead, compliments it. A good parent is equally responsible to reward proper behavior and punish improper conduct.
“He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)
Love or charity is commonly defined as the attitude that seeks the highest good in the person who is loved. So many things could be written about this one attribute, but John 3:16 states it all.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Closely related to love is the goodness of God, which means He deals kindly and bountifully with all His creatures.
“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)
God’s mercy saves us from the punishment we deserve. Our Father is full of pity, slow to punish, and ready to pardon. Thankfully, mercy is not an attribute that is in short supply.
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” (Psalm 103:8)
Grace is defined as unmerited favor; getting what we don’t deserve. Many people use the acrostic God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense to explain God’s grace.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
How wonderful to know that with God there is slowness in becoming angry.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9)
Join us next month as we examine the comparative attributes of our great Creator.