Our Gracious God

I have a book in my library entitled Simply God: Everyday Theology for Everyday People by James D. Cantelon, which has provided food for thought for me over the years anytime I’ve picked it up. A favorite quote comes from his brief comment on the book of “Song of Solomon,” and says: “Its high regard for human love gives the reader, by way of analogy, insight into divine love. As far as his creation and creatures are concerned, God is first and foremost a lover.”   

In our negative-driven secular and spiritual circles, God’s love and eternally gracious manner is often overlooked; yet I am reminded that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). He IS that!

He says in His Word, “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity [love]”               (1 Corinthians 13:13). Interesting, don’t you think, that we can’t even get into heaven without faith, yet God says love is greater than faith.

 “The Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him”

(2 Chron. 30:9).

“Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful” (Psalm 116:5).

“Turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness”

(Joel 2:13)

He is gracious and of great kindness. Doesn’t it just make us want to be more gracious when we remember our loving, giving, gracious God!

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation” (Psalm 68:19)—”Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies” (Psalm 103:3-4).

If Joy and Prayer had children, Gratitude would be their firstborn.

C. H. Spurgeon