Chapter 3 - WHO IS THE TRUE GOD?

"A GOD MERCIFUL AND GRACIOUS"

After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, they still needed to know God better.  Moses  felt this need and prayed:  "If, please, I have found favor in your eyes, make me know, please, your ways, that I may know you, in order that I may find favor in your eyes."  (Exodus 33:13) Moses got to know God better upon hearing God's own declaration:  "Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth, preserving loving-kindness for thousands, pardoning error and transgression and sin, but by no means will he give exemption from punishment."  (Exodus 34:6, 7) God balances his love with justice, not shielding willful sinners from the consequences of their wrongdoing.

As Moses learned, Jehovah shows mercy.  A merciful person has pity on those who suffer and tries to bring them relief.  Thus God has shown compassion for mankind by making provision for permanent relief  from suffering, sickness and death.  (Revelation 21:3-5) Worshipers of God  may experience calamities because of  conditions in this wicked world, or they may act unwisely and meet  up with trouble.  But if they humbly turn to Jehovah for assistance, he will comfort and help them.  Why? Because he mercifully shows tender regard for his worshipers. -Psalm 86:15; 1 Peter 5:6, 7.

Many people in authority treat others harshly.  In contrast, how gracious Jehovah is toward h is humble servants!  Though he is the highest authority in the universe, he shows outstanding kindness in a general way to all mankind.  (Psalm 8:3,4; Luke 6:35) Jehovah is also gracious to individuals, answering  their specific pleas for favor.  (Exodus 22:26, 27; Luke 18:13, 14) Of course, God is not obligated to show favor or mercy to anyone.  (Exodus 33:19) Therefore, we need to manifest deep appreciation for God's mercy and graciousness. -Psalm 145:1, 8.

Next time: SLOW TO ANGER, IMPARTIAL, AND RIGHTEOUS

The Book -KNOWLEDGE  That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995