Exodus 34:6-7 (ESV)

Before we start focusing on individual aspects of God, we first need to keep this in mind – God is consistent. Another way to put it is God is unified. God does not change.

When we look at an individual attribute, we can’t take that ‘out of’ God. When we say ‘God is Love’, we cannot remove that from ‘God is Just’ – all of His attributes are always present and active.

Take a look at the verse above in Exodus. God is merciful and gracious, God forgives iniquity and sin, and yet he also punishes it. You can see Gods love, mercy, grace, but you can also see Gods holiness, justice and wrath. All are active at any one time.

So before we jump in and over emphasise any one thing (for example, ‘God is Love’, the favourite of all who would deny God’s holiness and justice), remember – God is also consistent and unchanging. He never forgoes one thing for another, but all of Gods attributes remain at work always.

Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

How can we apply this to our lives? I think it keeps us in balance. If we focus too much on God’s love, we can start to think that we can get away with anything, because God loves us. And yet if we focus too much on Gods holiness, justice and wrath we may become overburdened and depressed at our own sinful state. Remember – God is love, but he is also just and holy. It is in the balance of these things that we find the true God, and can come before him aware of our sin, but knowing that through Jesus we can be forgiven.

Thank you Lord that you are a God of consistency. Thank you Lord that you don’t change with the wind, but are the same always. Help us to keep all of your attributes in focus, and not create a false God or idol with just the parts of you we want or find desirable. Give us a desire to know you more completely, and draw every closer to you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

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