It’s hard to wrap our heads around something as mysterious as the true character of God, but the Bible gives us some idea. God is “I am.” He has always been and he always will be. He is the Creator of all things. He is all-powerful and all-knowing. He is perfect and awe-inspiring, which begs some questions: How can we relate to him? What could he want with us?
Below, you’ll find some of the wonderful things the Bible tells us about God’s character and his promises to us.
9 Bible verses that show God’s true character
God is the creator and sustainer of everyone and everything
“For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.” Colossians 1:16-17
God made all things good because it pleased him to do so. We live in a world made imperfect by sin, but it wasn’t supposed to be that way. He holds even this fallen world in his hands, and he made a way, Jesus, for us to be close to him anyway. He did this because he is compassionate and loving.
God is a compassionate father
“The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” Psalms 103:13
Unlike some earthly parents – even the best earthly parents – God is compassionate. If you’ve had a rocky relationship with your own parents, you might bristle at the description of God as your father. But rest assured, he is an ideal father, always merciful and comforting. Unlike our earthly parents, God won’t let us down.
God is our source of unconditional love
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
We have an inborn longing for love and acceptance that other imperfect human beings can never completely fulfill. In God’s presence, we experience the fulfillment of that longing. He loves us no matter what we have done and no matter what others have done to us. Nothing can change that. Ever.
God is a true friend
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.” John 15:13-15
That’s right, the Creator of the universe is our friend! Like good friends, God reliably supports us. Through Jesus, he made the ultimate sacrifice for us. There is nothing we can face in life that he will not help us through.
God is a mighty helper
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“For I hold you by your right hand— I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” Isaiah 41:13
No matter what life throws at us, God never leaves our side. He is always there to help, carrying us when we have no strength to go on. God is faithful, even when no one else.
God is a faithful provider
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Because God created us, he knows what we need and he provides it for us. That doesn’t mean we always get everything we want, but we do get what is truly essential for our wellbeing.
God is our source of peace
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
The Bible is frank with us: this world is a tough place! We experience tragedy and pain alongside joy as we pass through life. In spite of that, God brings us a peace inside that we can’t get any other way. This peace sustains us in the most difficult times.
-----
Is God's love for us really unconditional? Here's the truth about how to earn God's love.
-----
LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!