Knowing God: How to Find Him and Understand His Nature
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Who is God? How can we come to know him? These are questions asked throughout the centuries by people of all walks of life. We all want to know who God really is and how we can understand his nature.
As Christians, we believe the answer lies in Jesus—in the way he lived and the example he set for us in his teachings. Let’s explore how Jesus reveals God’s character so that we may find a deeper understanding of who he is.
God is Love
Perhaps one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, 1 John 4:8 states, “God is love.” This simple yet profound statement speaks volumes about our Creator’s character; it tells us that above all else, God desires to be known as loving and kind.
It also reveals something about his nature that should bring us great comfort and joy—that no matter what happens in our lives, no matter how hard things get or how much darkness surrounds us, ultimately God’s heart is pure love towards each one of us.
Jesus Reveals God’s Character
Besides telling us what kind of being God is, 1 John 4:8 also tells us where to look for insight into his character—to Jesus Christ. As believers, we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior because he lived his life free from sin; because he died for our sins on the cross; and because he rose from death on the third day with victory over sin and death (Romans 6:9-11).
But above all these reasons for believing in Jesus, perhaps one of the greatest reasons we accept him as our Lord and Savior is because through him, we gain insight into who God really is.
Jesus taught us many things during his earthly ministry—for example, that it’s more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35); that anyone who believes has eternal life (John 3:15-17); and that even when faced with overwhelming odds against him, God will never forsake those who put their faith in him (Matthew 28:20).
Through these teachings and more, Jesus reveals aspects of his father’s character:
- a loving Father who always has a plan for each of us
- a just Father who sees all wrongdoings but still offers mercy to those who repent
- a wise Father whose plans often involve times of waiting or suffering so that greater good may come out of them in due time
These are only some examples among many others—but through them all shines a common theme—that God truly loves each one of us deeply and wants nothing but good for our lives here on earth and eternity with him in heaven.
More Attributes of God
God is All-Powerful
One attribute of God is that He is all-powerful. This means that there is nothing He cannot do. He is the creator of the universe and everything in it, and He has the power to do anything that He desires.
God is All-Knowing
Another attribute of God is that He is all-knowing. This means that He knows everything there is to know. He knows what will happen in the future, and He knows what is in our hearts.
God is Good
Another attribute of God is that He is good. This means that He is kind, and just. He always does what is right, and His love for us never fails.
God is Faithful
Another attribute of God is that He is faithful. This means that He always keeps His promises. He will never leave us, and His love is forever.
God Loves Us Unconditionally
One of the most amazing attributes of God is His unconditional love for us. This means that no matter what we have done, His love for us never changes. God loves us unconditionally and completely. He loves us even when we don’t deserve it and even when we sin against Him. His love for us is perfect and never-ending.
God is just
This means that God always does what is right and fair. He never makes mistakes, and He always punishes sin in a way that is just and appropriate.
God is holy
This means that God is perfect in every way and separate from sinfulness. He cannot look upon sin without being disgusted by it and He will not tolerate it in His presence.
God is all-wise
This means that God’s wisdom is infinite, and His understanding is complete. He knows what is best for us and His plans for us are always good.
Final Thoughts
While 1 John 4:8 reminds us once again that “God is love,” it also reminds us of where this beautiful truth comes from—from Jesus Christ himself! By studying Jesus’ life on earth—his teachings, parables, miracles—we gain insight into what kind of being our Creator really is.
We learn about his infinite wisdom; His perfect justice mixed with boundless mercy; His unconditional love towards even those whom society rejects or neglects; His unfailing promise not just to provide for our physical needs but also comfort every broken heart with hope and joy everlasting (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
As Christians seeking truth about our Creator’s divine nature, let’s continue looking unto Jesus—the author and finisher of our faith—so that through Him we may better understand Who He Is! (Hebrews 12:2)
