Seek God's Approval

God's "intimacy is with the upright ones." Those "blameless in their way are a pleasure to him."  (Proverbs 3:32; 11:20) On the contrary, those who persist in offending God by stubbornly ignoring or defying his righteous feelings, will shortly become the objects of his displeasure.  (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10) Indeed, he will soon bring an end  to all the wickedness so prevalent today. -Psalm 37:9-11; Zephaniah 2:2, 3. 

The Bible makes it very clear, however, that Jehovah "does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)  He would much rather display his affection for righteous people who love him than express his displeasure upon those who choose to be irreformable. Jehovah finds  pleasure, "not in the death of the wicked one, but in that someone wicked turns back from his way and actually keeps living." -Ezekiel 33:11.

So no one needs to become the object of Jehovah's anger.  "Jehovah is very tender in affection and merciful."  (James 5:11)  With full confidence in God's feelings, you can "throw all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you."  (1 Peter 5:7) Be assured that those who make God's heart rejoice have the wonderful prospect of enjoying his approval and friendship.  Hence, it is now more urgent  than every before to "keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord." - Ephesians 5:10. 

How marvelous that God in his undeserved kindness has revealed his glorious qualities and feelings!  And it is within your power to make his heart rejoice. If you desire to do so, we urge you to contact Jehovah's Witnesses in your area.  They will be happy to show you what they have  found to be practical and attainable in their endeavor to please God.

Next time: Why Does the Bible Describe God in Human Terms?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2004