How To Know God's Character

We hear many things about God’s nature. Who He is, what He’s like and what He can do. Some say, “God will punish you if you sin,” and “God’s wrath will send you straight to hell.” But most of the time, they miss the essential part of His character.

What is Jesus’ character like?

The best way to know God’s character is to read about him and spend time with him. Let’s read about his true nature. When Jesus was on this earth, wherever he went he was ready to help people. Even in parties, in someone’s house, at a wedding, in a large field and even while walking to a different city. Not only did He minister on a pulpit or when multitudes gathered, But He was also ready to show compassion, heal, counsel and do miracles anywhere. He forgave the sins of the people, even the ones who spat on Him (Luke 23:34). He always prayed to spend time with God (Matthew 14:23). He was patient even when all the disciples kept asking him questions and while He suffered on the cross (1 Timothy 1:16). He was gentle but firm (Matthew 11:29). He had self-control when being tempted in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11). He often displayed the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22,23) which is something every Christian should have.

When you look at all the miracles he did, we see that He always looks into the heart of the person. He doesn’t say, “Who are you?” “What have you done?” He asks, “What do you want?” We see in Luke 19, there was a man named Zacchaeus who wanted to see Jesus. He was so short so he couldn’t see Jesus through the crowd. So, he climbed a tree to get a better view. Jesus saw him on the tree, and said, “Zacchaeus come down immediately. I must stay at your house.” Jesus didn’t see what Zacchaeus did, or who he was in society. Jesus saw his heart. His heart was longing to see Him. Because of Jesus’ love for him, Zacchaeus gave 4 times back what he took from the people and was a changed man. This is how the love of Jesus transforms lives. Jesus never condemned him for doing what he did. He simply stayed in his house and showed him love.

As followers of Christ, that’s all we need to do. Love. He gave us also this same gift. Through the active presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, wherever we go, whoever we meet, we can show love, counsel and pray for God to do miracles in their lives. The Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom of what we should say and do for people.

Can people other than Jesus be like Him too?

This is what the disciples did after Jesus. They were full of the Holy Spirit. Even Peter’s shadow brought miracles according to Acts 5:15:16. We should long for this gift. Keep our hearts clean and right before God. Know his character by reading about him and spending time with him. He will speak to us and be revealed through us.

Should we only show love to those who know Jesus?

Oswald Golter was a missionary in northern China during the 1940s. After ten years of service, he was returning home. His ship stopped in India, and while waiting for a boat home he found a group of refugees living in a warehouse on the pier. Unwanted by anyone else the refugees were stranded there. Golter went to visit them. As it was Christmas-time wished them a merry Christmas and asked them what they would like for Christmas. “We’re not Christians,” they said. “We don’t believe in Christmas.” “I know,” said the missionary, “but what do you want for Christmas?” They described some German pastries they were particularly fond of, and so Oswald Golter cashed in his ticket, used the money to buy baskets and baskets of the pastries, took them to the refugees, and wished them a merry Christmas. When he later repeated the incident to a class, a student said, “But sir, why did you do that for them? They weren’t Christians. They don’t even believe in Jesus.” “I know,” he replied, “but I do!”

In the same way, the love of Jesus is not only for people who know Him. It is especially for those who don’t! Share Christ’s love, which is the core of his character, through whatever you do. You may say, I am not so outgoing, I don’t know how to care for people. Use whatever talent God has given you for His glory and to show His love. Through your career, at home, at class, wherever you go, show His love. So, read about God’s nature in the bible, spend time with time each day and be transformed to be just like Him. He will be revealed through your life in this world.

Here’s a video I’ve linked, where I talk more about how to know God’s character. Check it out and I hope it encourages you! Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel, “Stellazlife” on YouTube, where I share more about the Christian lifestyle of an every day, follower of Christ.