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As should be obvious by this point in this study, God is multi-faceted by nature. When asking the question, "What is God like?," no single answer is sufficient. He exhibits many characteristics, none of which contradict any of the others. Rather, they complement one another, presenting the fuller portrayal of God. While He is a God of love, goodness, mercy and grace, He is also a Just God. The fact that God is just does not negate or conflict with any of those other characteristics. They go together perfectly.
A mother's love is special. It may be the best illustration we commonly observe of what agape love describes in scripture. A mother loves her child no matter what. In spite of how many pregnancies are terminated by abortion, a mother's love remains one of the strongest resisting forces against that procedure. A child may be born severely handicapped, but his mother loves him just the same, with all of the same affection and sincerity she bestows upon her children who are not handicapped. In observing her deep love and devoted care, without even thinking about it she serves as a graphic visual example of true, selfless love.
Truth, how elusive it can be! Truth is central to being able to live our lives effectively. We depend upon knowing truth in making decisions that guide and profoundly affect our lives. We assure others that they can trust us because we are truthful. We instill this principle within our children by teaching them to always tell the truth. Yet, as human beings, we struggle with truth.
How many times have we heard the caution, “Be careful what you wish for, you might get it.” There has always been an atheistic element within our society, firm in their belief that there is no God. Less committed are the skeptics and agnostics, unsure whether God exists but leaning in the direction of the atheists. Of much greater number are those who believe in God but live their lives as though they did not, demonstrating little conscience of sin and no dedication to God. Indeed, their belief in God might be more of a nuisance than a faith. Their best hope for eternity is that the atheists are right. Well, what if that were true? What if there were not God?
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September 2022
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