The Character of God

What it means

God passes before Moses and names himself compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, forgiving yet not leaving guilt unaddressed.

Why every Christian should know it

This is the Bible's most quoted self description of God, echoed across the Old Testament. Mercy and justice are both his.

Cross references

• Psalms 103:8
• Joel 2:13
• Numbers 14:18

Pray it back

Lord, you are merciful and you are just. Let me hold both without shrinking either.

What it means

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy, and his tender mercies are over all his works.

Why every Christian should know it

It teaches you to expect kindness from God rather than reluctance, which changes how you come to prayer.

Cross references

• Exodus 34:6
• Psalms 86:15
• Nahum 1:7

Pray it back

Gracious Lord, you are slow to anger. Let me come to you quickly instead of hiding.

What it means

He is the Rock, his work is perfect, all his ways are just. He is a faithful God who does no wrong.

Why every Christian should know it

It is the ground to stand on when God's providence confuses you. His justice is not on trial.

Cross references

• Psalms 18:30
• Genesis 18:25
• Revelation 15:3

Pray it back

Faithful God, you do no wrong. When I cannot trace your hand, help me trust your character.

What it means

God has searched us and knows us, our sitting and rising, our thoughts and our words before we speak them.

Why every Christian should know it

It answers loneliness and self deception at once. You are fully known, and still kept.

Cross references

• Hebrews 4:13
• Jeremiah 23:24
• Psalms 33:13-15

Pray it back

Lord, you know every word before I say it. Thank you that being fully known by you is safe.