“The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” (Psalm 145:8-9)
“How can you believe in the God of the Old Testament? So angry and cruel and vengeful. I’d much rather believe in the God of the New Testament.”
Have you heard that one? Aside from the obvious problem that we don’t get to choose who God is, no matter what God we’re willing to worship, the God of the OT and the NT are the same God. He doesn’t change. Ever. God is God.
I don’t blame anyone for wrestling to understand God’s judgement and justice and wrath from a human perspective. But the God who wipes out sinners is the same God who sent his Son to die for sinners and offer salvation.
David describes God’s true character right here – in the heart of the Old Testament – and it is as it ever was: gracious, compassionate, not quick to get angry, loaded with love and good to all. That is a God worthy of our praise.
Think: Do these two verses describe God as you imagine him? If not, how do you need to adjust your picture of him?
Pray: Praise God for his grace, compassion, patience, love, and goodness to all he has made.
Do: Looking for good verses to memorize? Think about adding these two to your list.