What is God’s attitude? Does anyone actually know?
You can sense attitudes in others just by being around them. The same is true when you spend time with God. You sense His attitude, particularly if you are familiar with His Word. Additionally, you sense God’s attitude about you, particularly if you believe His Word. The best way to know God’s attitude about anything is to be in His Word – and to spend time with Him as a friend.
First action point for us today – let’s look at an unusual exclamation – “By no means!” If you were to say this, your intention would be clear. Absolutely not! Forget it! Don’t even think about it!
“By no means!” is a direct quote from Scripture. Let’s explore where it’s found and what instruction and encouragement God has for including it.
“By no means!”
Did you know Scripture rarely uses an exclamation point? Interestingly, it uses one in this very expression. Remarkably, this one little phrase is used four times. (Rom. 11:1; Rom. 6:15; Rom. 6:1-2; Rom. 7:13) Frankly, to know Scripture rarely uses an exclamation point – but to find these four verses exactly the same – with an exclamation point – well, it’s something to investigate.
So, who uses this comment – and why?
This little phrase is used by Paul. Interestingly, he asks – then answers several questions with – “By no means!” Every time, there’s an exclamation point.
Here are the questions he asks:
- “Did God reject His people?”
- “Shall we sin because we are not under the law, but under grace?”
- “Shall we go on sinning so grace may increase?”
- “Did [the law] which is good, then, become death to [us]?”
Consequently, those are really good questions. Paul’s answer is always the same – “By no means!”
God’s Attitude
Have you considered one of the most important aspects of God’s attitude is in reference to you? Actually, toward all humanity.
Have you considered the design God used when He created people?
- Made in His image.
- To care about making a difference.
- To want your life to matter.
Interestingly, individuals value that they are –
- Important to someone.
- Valued.
- Loved.
- Purposeful.
- Meaningful.
God purposefully created people with these inner desires. Plus, He made you with needs He intends to meet. Remarkably, He intends you to partner with Him in His work in this broken world.
Well, so far – that’s a good look at God’s attitude!
Valuable Assets
To accomplish His purposes, God gave you a unique life with valuable assets –
- Personhood.
- Looks.
- Skill sets.
- Abilities.
- Dreams.
- Pursuits.
- And more.
Your Attitude About God
God wants you to value and love Him back. Incidentally, this is not because God has needs. It’s because He knows He –
- Is the best thing for you.
- Completes you.
- Designed you.
- Loves you with everlasting love.
- Wants you to accomplish your life purpose.
God says, “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5) If there is any rejecting going on – it’s people rejecting God. People rejecting people.
Regardless, God loves, wants, and invites you into intimate relationship with Himself.
Good Questions
I love good questions. They –
- Identify things.
- Additionally, they help define things.
- Also, challenge you to ponder important points.
- Plus, they give a starting point to launch into good choices.
- Finally, they precede thoughtful, good choices.
Examples Of Good Questions
Often, it’s not answers that make a difference. Rather, it’s good questions. They’ve helped me for decades.
Since we’re talking about God’s attitude and humanity, here are examples of good questions –
- Do you believe God is exactly who He claims?
- As you live your life, been hurt, disappointed, run amuck, become tired and maybe disillusioned – have you stuck with God and His promises? Or have you walked away?
- How do you respond to God’s love as you navigate hard stuff? Do you embrace His love as a safe canopy over you?
- Have you ever blamed God?
- Do you wonder if He might have forgotten details about your well-being?
- Perhaps you’ve concluded God operates from a distance?
As you answer questions like these, note how they define your conclusions about God’s attitude.
Old Testament Man
An Old Testament man has a great word about God’s attitude.
Jeremiah strongly says about God, “I have loved you with an everlasting love: I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jer. 31:3)
He’s pointing out God’s attitude about you. Definitively, he’s documenting how deeply God loves you.
New Testament Man
Now, let’s look at Paul’s action points about how to respond to God’s attitude of love.
Writing to Timothy, he says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you . . .” (1 Tim. 4:12) Then, he adds action points to respond to God’s love:
- Set an example with your speech.
- Make your life choices with highest conviction.
- Communicate God’s attitude of love for all people.
- Maintain your faith in Jesus Christ.
- Guard and protect your purity.
- Be diligent to stay in God’s Word.
- Give yourself wholly to God.
- Let others see your life in action.
- Remember, your conduct affects yourself and others who need an example.
- Develop gifts and skillsets given to you.
- “Keep your head in all situations.” (1 Tim. 4:12-16; 2 Tim. 4:5)
What a list! Practical, positive action points you absolutely can carry out. Every single one is in your control.
God’s Attitude Is Serious
God has chosen you, not rejected or forgotten you. So, refuse to think you are not important to God. Simultaneously, refuse the idea He’s distant from you. Because He’s not.
Remarkably, you are reserved for God. Truly, you’re in His heart. This is not because of anything you’ve done. It’s by God’s grace, alone.
God’s Grace
Let’s explore grace as defined in most dictionaries.
- Favor or goodwill.
- Granting favor, especially by a superior.
-
Freely given, unmerited favor and love from God.
-
God operating in humans to transform them.
-
A virtue or excellence – coming from divine origin.
Incidentally, grace is not earned or deserved. Rather, it’s a gift that can’t be repaid. Nevertheless, there is a moral responsibility to receiving grace. Frankly, to make decisions that align with Scripture – from a thankful heart.
God’s Grace Can Be Abused
Grace can be abused. In fact, it can be treated with such disrespect that an on-looker could conclude – grace isn’t real.
Contrastingly, grace received from the heart quite literally changes people.
Interestingly, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and the grace He offers simply means you won’t walk away empty-handed – if you receive His grace with all your heart.
Remarkably, God offers grace in exchange for –
- Confession (admittance).
- Being sorry (remorse).
- Repentance (which means you turn and go the opposite direction).
- Receiving forgiveness and grace with thanksgiving.
- Transformation (which means you bring every thought, word, and behavior into alignment with Scripture).
God’s grace changes people, communities, nations, and the world. At the same time, God’s grace can be abused, ignored, and denied.
Respond to God’s Attitude
Remember, we began this material with God’s attitude. Plus, we looked at what your (and my) attitude should be to Him.
Further, we identified questions Paul asked. Now, let’s answer them.
- “Did God reject his people?” Of course not! Or as Paul says it – “By no means!” God is committed to His people. To you.
- “Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace?” Never! What a crazy interpretation of grace! Again, as Paul says – “By no means!”
- “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?” Don’t even think about it! Afterall, how can you make something perfect increase? Or as Paul replies yet again – “By no means!”
- “Did [the law] which is good, then, become death to me?” No way! God uses the law to show our desperate condition. Essentially, the need for Jesus. So, the law isn’t condemnation or death. Or as Paul says it – “By no means!” It brings hope!
Sober Warning
Since it’s possible to abuse God’s grace, it’s critical to be sober (serious) in dealings with Him. That doesn’t mean you won’t have joyful friendship with Him. Rather, it means you’ll respond to Him with gratitude for His attitude toward you. Plus, you’ll express desire to love and serve Him.
To abuse grace is – well – to say it like Paul . . . “By no means!”
Interestingly, God will deal with those who abuse His grace.
Application Thoughts And Questions
- Do you wonder what God’s attitude is toward you?
- Concerning grace, do you see transformation in your life?
- What happens if you walk away from grace?
- Have you responded with these action points to God’s grace –
-
- Confession.
- Being sorry.
- Repentance.
- Receiving.
- Transformation.
-
- What has the phrase “By no means!” meant in your life?
- Do you know the joy of the Lord because you’ve discovered God’s attitude toward you?
* Portions of this content come from my book – It’s Your Move – a devotional book that takes you through Romans and powerfully challenges you to live with perspective and purpose. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
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