The Attributes of God

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

Psalm 103:8 (NIV)

When someone does good in their community, they are called a good person. If they respond to the needs of the poor and care for the sick, they are called charitable. Conversely, someone who does evil will be considered evil or wicked. Therefore, what we say about a person depends on their actions or attitude. Even if a person changes, there will always be a word to describe them, whether positive or negative.

If our attitude or actions define what will be said about us, what can we say about God that does not change? This is the clear answer to this question given by the author of Psalm 23. He does not call God good or charitable based on His attitude or actions, because no matter how God acts, He does not change; He remains the same. This is why the Bible speaks of the attributes of God, which define His person, without taking into account changes in attitude.

Compassion is defined as a person who cares about the suffering or misfortune of others. When the Bible tells us that God is compassionate, it means that He cares about the plight of humanity, not just those who believe in Him. This is what we call common grace. Grace is what God grants us of His own free will, regardless of our sins. God's attributes define the expression of His love toward us rather than limiting Him to His attitude. Even in His anger, God is patient with us; He does not change. Therefore, we must love Him for who He is and for the care He shows us despite our disobedience to His will.

May God's grace and peace be with you all.