The Difference Between What We’ve Heard and What’s True

Sometimes building faith means figuring out what we actually believe. Not the phrases we repeat or the ideas we’ve picked up along the way, but the truth the Bible provides about who God really is.

When Scripture shapes our understanding of our heavenly Father, things begin to settle into place. God is no longer distant or abstract, but personal, present, and involved in everyday life. And it gives us the clarity we need to strengthen the faith we use to live out every day life.

Who is God… More Than Just a Question

It is easy to think of God as a vague concept or a distant force. But the Bible invites us to know Him as a living, personal being.

Right from the start, Scripture tells us that God created everything. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” That means He is the origin of everything… the stars, the oceans, the mountains, and every human being. But more than simply a Creator, God is described as One who cares deeply for His creation.

The verse many of us can quote… John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” This shows us that God is not distant or indifferent. He loves us enough to reach out personally.

It’s important to remember that our heavenly Father is not just an abstract idea. He’s actively involved in the world He made. Psalm 139 beautifully describes this personal involvement. “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.” Yahweh is a God who knows us intimately—our thoughts, our struggles, our joys.

Who is God… The Reason Behind the Reason

Philosophers throughout history have asked questions like, “Why is there something rather than nothing?” or “What explains the order of the universe?”

These questions explore the idea that the universe didn’t just come from nowhere or from random chance. The possibility that who God is includes being the ultimate cause behind everything.

Philosophers call this the first cause or unmoved mover. Something had to start it all — a powerful, intelligent source beyond what we see.

Christians belief that God created all things aligns perfectly with that philosophical insight. God is the foundation of reality—outside of time and space, yet present within it.

This idea isn’t just ancient philosophy. Many scientists and thinkers today acknowledge that the complexity and order we observe hint toward a mind behind it all…. a deliberate Creator.

Who is God… The Source of Moral Goodness

Another way many people come to think about who is God is through the existence of morality—our sense of right and wrong.

Almost every culture agrees that some things are truly good or truly wrong. But if everything was just random or natural, where would this universal moral law come from?

Moral values and duties point to a moral Lawgiver—a perfect, holy being who defines goodness itself. The Bible calls this God holy, which means He is completely pure and good… the standard of what is right and just.

They were calling out to each other,
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies!
The whole earth is filled with his glory!” – Isaiah 6:3 NLT

Knowing God as holy and just helps us understand that He cares about how we live and want what’s best for us. It also explains why many people feel a sense of guilt when they do wrong. Their inner voice reminds them of God’s moral standard.

Who is God… Loving and Compassionate Beyond Measure

While God is powerful and holy, He is also deeply loving and compassionate.

1 John 4:8 simply says, “God is love.” This isn’t just a feeling God has. It is who He is—love itself.

The love we experience with family, friends, or a spouse give us just a glimpse of God’s love, but His love goes far beyond anything we can imagine.

One of the most moving stories in the Bible is the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The father who expectantly wait for his son, ilustrates God as a father who waits patiently and joyfully welcomes us back no matter how far we’ve wandered. God’s love is not distant or judgmental… it reaches out to heal and restore.

His love is also sacrificial. Jesus’ death on the cross is the ultimate proof of how much God loves us—giving up His Son for our sake. It’s a love that chooses us even when we don’t deserve it.

Who is God… A Personal Being Who Desires Relationship

Many people struggle with the idea of God as a personal being. They find it difficult to imagine Him beyond just a force or an energy.

The Bible clearly shows that God is personal—He thinks, feels, and desires relationship. In fact, He invites us into friendship, not just to worship or obey from a distance. Jesus said in John 15:15, “I have called you friends.”

Knowing who God is, isn’t just about facts but about experiencing His presence in our daily lives. God listens and responds. He understands our fears and hopes and wants to walk with us through life, and He communicates that understanding and guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the inner workings of the Holy Spirit.

Who is God… Faithful and Ever-Present in Our Lives

Life is hard and it is easy to wonder where God is… if He is really there, like He says.

The Bible promises us that God is faithful and never leaves us.

“I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” – Hebrews 13:5b

This is an incredible promise… not just on the surface, but hidden underneath the original Greek is the participle ou… and it appears two times, in addition to the text. Not just is He with us, no matter what we face, but He will never, not-in-a-million years ever fail us or abandon us. God is always with us… steady and true.

God’s faithfulness is not based on our feelings but on His unchanging nature.

Who is God… The Answer That Changes Everything

So, when we ask who is God, the answer isn’t just a distant concept or a set of rules. God is the loving Creator who made everything with purpose. He is the ultimate reason behind the universe, the source of true goodness, and a personal, loving friend who desires relationship with each of us.

If we allow it, this understanding can change how we live our lives. We are never alone, we are deeply loved, and our lives have meaning and hope beyond what we see.

Want to know more about God? Reading the Bible, praying, and asking honest questions are great steps. God welcomes curiosity and invites us into a life-changing friendship.

Remember, exploring who God is, is a journey, not a test…and God meets us where we are—with patience, grace, and open arms.

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