What does God want from us? When we pray, we often ask God for all sorts of things. And we're often disappointed if we don't get everything we wanted - NOW! Have you ever thought about it the other way around? What do you think He wants from us? And do you think maybe He's disappointed when we fail to give Him what He wants?
What does God want from us? is article # in the series: What does God want. Click button to view titles for entire series
That begs the question, what do you think God is like? If you think He's mean, you'll have a different answer than if you think He's loving.
For instance, do you think God's like the adjacent image? He wants us to be perfect, and when we aren't He reaches out His hand and zaps us?
Hint. That's not what God is really like. Although, we might feel like it sometimes. I know I have. But I also know that I was wrong.
This is probably a different look at the question compared to what you expect. Keep an open mind. And think about the possibility that we actually do get what we expect.
Summary
This article explores the nature of God’s desires for humanity, challenging common perceptions of a punitive deity and inviting readers to consider a reciprocal, loving relationship with the divine. It delves into biblical passages, personal reflections, and even song lyrics to convey the message that God seeks more than obedience—He seeks a friendship rooted in love.
God’s Expectations: The article explores what God might want from us, contrasting our often one-sided prayers with the idea of considering God’s desires.
Perception of God: It discusses how our view of God—whether as mean or loving—affects our understanding of what He wants from us.
Fatherly Love: The author relates personal experiences and biblical passages to challenge the notion of a vengeful God, instead presenting a loving Father figure.
Love and Commandments: The text ties together the themes of love, music, and biblical commandments to convey the message that God seeks a loving and reciprocal relationship with us.
Reflecting on the nature of God and our relationship with Him, it’s clear that He desires a genuine friendship with us, one that transcends mere obedience or fear. The biblical passages and personal reflections shared in this article highlight the importance of seeking a deeper understanding of God’s character and His expectations for us. Ultimately, God’s call for us to love Him and others with all our heart, soul, and mind invites us into a transformative journey that shapes our lives and aligns our will with His divine purpose. As we engage with God and respond to His love, we discover the profound joy and fulfillment that comes from nurturing a true friendship with our Creator.
What do we think of God?
This is part of something I wrote back in the summer of 2011. We went through it several years later in a Bible Study class I lead. It's been more than ten years since the original, so it's definitely time for an update.
During the discussion in the class, an interesting comment came up. One of the people said they have a hard time imagining God the Father as being friendly. Jesus - yes, because that's generally what's taught in churches. But the Father - no. He's like this mean guy from the Old Testament, always out to reap justice. The concept of a loving Father, that's just not what this person was used to.
Personally, I can relate to the difficulties surrounding a loving father. If mine had a finger like in the image above, I'd have zap marks all over me. Truth is, I do. But they're all internal/emotional. They are visible sometimes. But not for what they really are.
To tell the truth, that person isn't alone. I remember hearing the same things. Same with many other people I've talked with. But I also know what Jesus said about the Father, and that just doesn't match up with a mean guy.
There will be more in this series. For instance, questions are raised in this article that won't be answered until later.
And, we'll get into whether or not, even in the Old Testament, God was a friend or foe to His people. We'll go through the events between God and Pharaoh, with Moses and Aaron as the intermediaries to examine what really took place.
But first, I do want to start with a passage that I hung on to, even as a kid, relating to the supposed differences between my father and God the Father.
Ask, Seek, Knock - Matthew
7:7-11 pp — Lk 11:9-13
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