Many People Have a Wrong View of God Being Harsh or Distant When He Is Gracious, Kind, and Compassionate
There are many people (including Christians) who view God the Father as a very harsh, strict, or aloof God. But, these beliefs are not biblical because God is perfect Love (1 John 4:16). And, Abba God is gracious, longsuffering (patiently enduring), and gentle in dealing with His children, as a loving Father.
 |
| (This is not what Jesus actually looked like, but this painting by a young girl (a child prodigy) may capture an idea of the love that Jesus has for us. Click for source.) |
Psalm 86:5 says: "For thou, LORD, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee."
Exodus 34:6 says: "And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,"
Isaiah 41:10 says: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
Some Christians (like I used to struggle with) struggle with feeling that they have to perform for God's love and acceptance or perform to receive God's blessings in their lives. If they fail to do something they believe God wanted them to do, they might feel upset with themselves. If we do wrong, we need to genuinely repent, and then rest and receive God's forgiveness. Along with that, we need to forgive ourselves and seek to know God as our loving Abba Father, which is who He is.
1 John 1 is a very good chapter to read and meditate on. Here is a portion of it, below.
1 John 1, and Walking in the Light,
and in Fellowship with God
and in Fellowship with God
