Active Theology

“Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in faithfulness and truth…” (Exodus 34:6, NASB)

My daughter, Elsie, recently asked my wife, “why is dad so sweet to you all the time?”. It honestly felt really great to know that my daughter notices the relationship between Haley and I. But then she brought up the times I get frustrated, specifically with my son, and I sternly say, “Avett!”. Maybe in her mind there were things that weren’t adding up?

I’ve recently been studying the character of God. Knowing and understanding the character of God is important for a couple reasons. 

First, understanding the character of God helps us understand how he relates and deals with humanity. 

God is compassionate and merciful (sometimes translated “merciful and gracious). When we hurt, He hurts. When we experience joy, He experiences it with us. He feels and reacts to what is happening in our lives. He’s slow to anger. When we mess up, He wants us to turn to Him. He awaits us eagerly with open arms, not from a place of immediate wrath and anger. He’s abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. He has a plan for you. He has a plan for this world. He sticks to His word and will do what He needs to do to accomplish His plan. 

These things should bring us comfort and hope. The God of all creation looks at you with compassion, mercy, grace, slow anger, and He is abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. 

But this passage also provides us with a blueprint for how we are to operate within our household, neighborhood, work, school, etc. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people were to be a reflection of Him and show the rest of the world what He was like. 

As Christians and followers of Christ, we hold that same mission. 

Which of these traits is easy for you? Which ones are hard? 

As a parent, I’ve especially realized that I have numerous opportunities every day to show these traits towards my kids. They notice every little thing you do (and seem to analyze it)!

Throughout our daily and weekly rhythms, we have endless chances to reflect these traits towards others and give others a glimpse of what our God is like: compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in faithfulness and truth. 

Pray: God, you are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Thank you. God, help me to view myself as your child and that You are a kind, loving, and steadfast Father. Help me to see ways I can reflect these traits to others this week, so that they may come to know You better. 

Song: “God Is Love” by Chris Renzema

Craig is a worship pastor at Wallula Christian Church and the creator of Active Theology. He loves coffee dates with his wife, reading, and riding his bike. A few of his favorite things are third wave coffee, vanilla ice cream, and plain t-shirts.