God’s Communicable Attributes

When we speak of God's attributes, we recognize that He is infinitely beyond us in every way. However, He has chosen to share certain aspects of His character with humanity. These are known as communicable attributes, meaning that, while God possesses them in perfection, we as His image-bearers reflect them in a limited and imperfect way. These attributes are essential to understanding how we are to live as Christians, for they shape our relationship with God and our interactions with others. The more we understand and embody these attributes, the more we reflect Christ and glorify God in our lives.

God’s Holiness Our Call to Holiness

Holiness is one of God’s defining attributes, often considered an incommunicable trait because He alone is absolutely holy. Yet, He calls His people to reflect His holiness: “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). God’s holiness means He is completely set apart from sin, morally pure, and perfect in all His ways (Isaiah 6:3). Every aspect of His character and actions is flawless and righteous, making Him wholly distinct from all creation.

-How We Reflect God’s Holiness

Though we can never attain God’s absolute holiness, we are called to live set-apart lives, rejecting sin and pursuing righteousness. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are sanctified (1 Corinthians 6:11), meaning we are continually being transformed to reflect the holiness of Christ (Romans 12:2). Holiness is not merely about avoiding sin but about being devoted to God—our thoughts, desires, and actions aligning with His will. It is through holiness that we experience deeper communion with God, for “without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

God’s Love and Our Call to Love

One of the most well-known descriptions of God is found in 1 John 4:8: “God is love.” This means that love is not just something God does—it is who He is. His love is sacrificial, self-giving, and eternal. The greatest demonstration of His love is seen in the gospel: “God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). His love is unchanging, not based on our performance, and is the foundation of our salvation and relationship with Him.

-How We Reflect God’s Love

Because we are created in His image, we are called to love as He loves. Jesus commands, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). Christian love is not based on emotions but on a commitment to seek the good of others, even when it is difficult. It involves forgiving as Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13), serving one another (Galatians 5:13), and even loving our enemies (Matthew 5:44). When we love others in this way, we testify to God’s love in the world (John 13:35).

God’s Mercy and Our Call to Show Mercy

Mercy is God’s compassion toward sinners, choosing to withhold the punishment we deserve. Throughout Scripture, He is described as “rich in mercy” (Ephesians 2:4) and “slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love” (Exodus 34:6). His mercy is seen in His patience, His willingness to forgive, and ultimately in sending Christ to bear our sins. Without His mercy, we would be without hope (Lamentations 3:22-23).

-How We Reflect God’s Mercy

As recipients of God’s mercy, we are called to extend it to others. Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7). This means forgiving those who wrong us (Luke 6:36), showing kindness to those in need (Proverbs 14:21), and being patient with others as God is patient with us (2 Peter 3:9). Mercy is a mark of a transformed heart and a key aspect of reflecting Christ.

God’s Justice and Our Pursuit of Righteousness

God’s justice means that He always does what is right and fair. “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne” (Psalm 89:14). He is impartial and ensures that evil is punished while righteousness is rewarded (Deuteronomy 32:4). His justice is both terrifying and comforting—it means that sin will not go unpunished, but it also guarantees that He will uphold truth and righteousness.

-How We Reflect God’s Mercy

We are called to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). This means standing for truth, treating others fairly, and advocating for righteousness in a world filled with corruption (Proverbs 31:8-9). Biblical justice is not about revenge but about aligning our hearts with God’s righteousness, ensuring that we love our neighbors and act with integrity.

-Study Questions for Reflection

1. How does understanding God’s holiness affect the way you live your daily life?

2. In what ways can you grow in demonstrating God's love toward others, especially those who are difficult to love?

3. How has God shown mercy to you, and how can you reflect that mercy in your relationships?

4. What does it mean to pursue justice in a biblical way, and how does it differ from worldly justice?

5. Which of God's communicable attributes do you struggle with the most, and how can you grow in reflecting that attribute?

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