Pause for a moment and think about the characteristics you know of God. What comes to mind first?
God embodies powerful characteristics like almighty, perfect, holy, righteous and all-knowing. He also displays tender characteristics like compassion, mercy, comfort and patience. Even though He sits in Heaven as King above all, He also sits near to you as a Father who cares. He wants to know your struggles. He wants to hear your worries. He desires for you to have a full life and wishes to see you enjoy the gift He gives in Jesus.
This week for Daily Bible Reading, in honor of Mother’s Day, we’ll be studying these tender characteristics of God and discovering the ways He makes Himself close and available to you.
Read Exodus 34:6-7a in your Bible or through the link provided.
Review
Who spoke in these verses?
What characteristics of God do you see in this passage?
Which one stands out to you the most? Why?
These verses are pivotal in Scripture. Before calling Moses, God had appeared to people but hadn't yet revealed His personal, covenantal name. At this point in the Bible, humans mostly learned about God’s character through their interactions with Him – like when Hagar learned that God saw her in her darkest moments and she refers to him as “The God Who Sees” (Genesis 16), or when Abraham saw firsthand how God provided for his needs (Genesis 22). But now, God shared His name and character traits directly with His people. What a gift!
God is intentional in the way He describes Himself to us. He wants to make sure we understand that His kindness is the most important thing about Him. Although He does have the power to judge us, He always prefers to show us His love, patience, compassion, forgiveness, and grace first. He only gives judgment after showing kindness and giving us ample opportunities to turn away from sin.
The greatest expression of God’s love is in Jesus’ sacrifice for you. Sin separated us from God and set us on a path toward permanent separation from Him. But in His love, He sacrificed His only Son so our sin penalty could be paid, and we could be made right with God.
As you look at your life, where do you see evidence of God's kindness? Where has He shown you grace or compassion, or given you time to turn back to Him? Where have you seen His kindness in the lives of those around you? Use a journal or your phone to reflect on these questions and write down your answers. Then praise God again for His kindness toward you.