Why God’s Character Matters to Everyone
What Does It Mean When We Say “God Is Perfect”?
God is often described as a being who has every good quality you can imagine—wisdom, kindness, power, fairness, and so on. If even one of these qualities were missing, He wouldn’t be God as we understand Him. So when people talk about God, it’s important not to leave any of these out, because if we do, we’re not really talking about the true God, but rather about an idea we’ve made up.
How Do God’s Qualities Affect Us?
Even though God’s qualities are all important, they don’t all make us feel the same way. Some of them, like wisdom and goodness, make us feel happy and thankful. We marvel at the world around us and appreciate the good things we enjoy, believing they come from a generous Creator. When we think of God as someone who looks out for us and cares about our needs, it’s easy to feel joyful and grateful.
But there are other qualities, like God’s perfect goodness (holiness) and strict fairness (justice), that can make us feel uncomfortable or even scared. When we realize that God doesn’t overlook wrongdoings and always does what’s right, it can make us feel uneasy, especially if we know we’ve done things that aren’t right.
Why Is Justice So Important?
Justice means doing what is right and fair. God’s justice is absolute—He knows everything, and He has the power to make sure everything is set right. So, nothing can be hidden from Him, and nobody can escape the consequences of their actions.
If someone breaks a law in society, there are usually consequences, and we expect judges to be fair. In the same way, God’s justice means He acts fairly with everyone. For those who try to ignore or downplay this part of God, thinking He’s only loving and never strict, it’s like saying a judge should never punish wrongdoing, which wouldn’t make sense.
Why Do Some People Find God’s Justice Scary?
For people who feel guilty or know they’ve done wrong, the idea of God’s complete fairness can be intimidating. It’s natural to want to run away from someone who always sees everything and punishes every wrong. But ignoring this side of God doesn’t change who He is.
Some might hope that God will only punish the worst crimes or that He’ll let most things slide because of His mercy. But thinking this way can lead people to make light of their own mistakes and ignore warnings or guilt that could help them change.
How Can God’s Justice Bring Comfort?
Even though God’s justice might seem scary, especially to those who feel guilty, it can also be a source of hope and comfort—especially for people who trust God. In the Bible, figures like Abraham, Moses, and David found peace in knowing that God would always “do right.” They saw God’s justice as proof that He wouldn’t let evil win, and that He would treat everyone fairly.
God’s justice means that He isn’t careless or unfair. Everything He does is right, and He never makes mistakes. So, rather than being something to fear, God’s fairness can reassure us that the world is in good hands, and that goodness matters to Him.
What Is God’s Throne of Justice?
When the Bible talks about God’s “throne,” it’s a way of saying that He is the ruler of everything. His throne isn’t just about power—it’s built on fairness and doing what’s right. Just like ancient kings sat on thrones that represented their authority, God’s throne represents His rule over the world, and the foundation of that rule is justice and righteousness.
Why Is It Important Not to Ignore God’s Justice?
Sometimes people want to talk only about God’s love and mercy, because it’s comforting. But if we ignore His justice, we aren’t really understanding who God is. Preachers and teachers shouldn’t gloss over the parts of God’s character that make us uncomfortable. Instead, they should tell the whole truth, even if it’s hard to hear.
Knowing that God is just encourages us to take responsibility for our actions and seek what is right. It gives meaning to the idea of goodness, because without justice, mercy wouldn’t make sense.
Finding Balance: Justice and Mercy Together
God isn’t only just—He’s also loving and merciful. That means while He always does what’s right, He also cares deeply for people and wants to help them. Understanding both sides of His character helps us appreciate who He is, why our actions matter, and why we can trust Him to run the world fairly.
In short, God’s justice may be tough to face at times, but it’s also what makes His goodness truly meaningful. We can be thankful that the ruler of the universe is both completely fair and deeply loving.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 