WHAT IS GOD LIKE?  

Whilst reading Leviticus chapters 19 & 20, I thought "this shows God's nature quite well.

He tells the people how to consider the poor, by not harvesting their whole crop to their borders, but to leave the edges for the poor or the sojourner.*

He teaches us about respecting others, loving others. He teaches us what sin is, and the consequences of it. I believe that he tells us these things to keep us safe and healthy. For instance sleeping around causes and passes on venereal diseases. Not keeping our skin clean causes infections and skin problem. Some things we want to eat are not good for our body. He teaches us that turning to mediums and wizards instead of turning to him upsets him, and it has consequences. He definitely does not like people sacrificing themselves or especially their children to other 'gods.' 

If you read it with understanding instead of attitude, you see the nature of God. He is always calling to us, trying to get our attention so that we stay safe, and always warning us of the consequences of our actions. 

We weren't created to live in fear of a heartless, dictator God. We were created to have a friendly, co-operative relationship with Him. In Micah 5:3 He asks "What have I done to you, How have I burdened you?" and in verse 8 He tells us exactly what He wants from us - 'To act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

This means be nice to each other! and carry Him in your heart every day. Put Him in every situation you find yourself in.

As I understand it, He doesn't want people to endlessly walk around falling to their knees praising Him in case He is upset, nor praising Him as a ritual - although we should always be **reverent of him.

Doesn't every good parent want that? We want the respect and admiration of our children don’t we? We want them to talk to us and tell us what’s happening in their lives, so we can join in their joy or help them through difficulties if necessary.  So it is with our Heavenly Father.

On top of that, he gives us Jesus as a final atonement for all our sins, so that no-one has to die. All we have to do is accept this free gift. 

We have a good God and a Good Father. what more do we want?

This is how I understand my God.

Read for yourself, see what you think.

*Sojourner = someone who resides temporarily in a place. A visitor to the area. 

**Reverent = showing great respect and admiration.