Some of God’s attributes can be understood because they are reflected - in a limited way - in human beings.
Talking Points:
- Love is the sacrificial and self-giving expression that seeks the highest good for another. God’s love is perfect, as demonstrated in many ways, but ultimately by the cross. 1 John 4:10
- God’s grace is his unlimited favor toward us even though we do not deserve his care or blessing. God never ceases to be a God of grace. 1 Peter 5:10
- While God’s grace gives us what we do not deserve, God’s mercy withholds from us what we rightly deserve. In his mercy for our need, God is slow to exercise his righteous anger against us. Psalm 103:8
- All of God’s attributes are in perfect harmony with one another. There is no contradiction or conflict within his nature. Revelation 4:8
- God’s justice simply means fairness. God is perfectly fair. He will always do the right thing with respect to us. Romans 3:26
- When people persist in sin and refuse to repent, God eventually reveals his wrath against that sin and rebellion. God’s wrath is perfectly consistent with his love because true love always moves to protect against evil. John 3:16
- We can understand more about these attributes of God by looking at their human counterparts – keeping in mind that while human love, justice, mercy, and wrath are imperfect and incomplete, these qualities, when found in God, are perfect in every way.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Are there any of the attributes of God discussed in this lesson that have challenged your view of God? Explain.
- Read 1 John 4:10. Why is the cross the greatest expression of God’s love?
- Read 1 Peter 5:10 and Psalm 103:8. Describe the relationship between God’s love, grace, and mercy.
- Describe the relationship between God’s holiness, justice, and wrath.
- Read Revelation 4:8. Why do you think the angels emphasize God’s holiness instead of some other attribute?
- What does it mean to say that God’s love is a holy love, or that his mercy is a holy mercy?
- Read John 3:16 and Romans 3:26. What would you say to someone who has a problem reconciling God’s love, grace, and mercy with God’s holiness, justice, and wrath?
- How has God revealed his generosity to you?
- As you consider the relative attributes of God, how does this study help you to know God more deeply? How does it help you to worship him more fully?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
