Understanding Each Of God’s Awesome Attributes
Have you ever wondered what God is really like? The Bible reveals so many wonderful sides of God’s character but, if you are anything like me, there may have been times when God felt really far away or you’ve struggle to trust Him completely, especially in hard times.
The truth is that many of us often doubt God’s goodness, power, or love – not because He’s changed but because we don’t truly know who He is.
That’s why studying the attributes of God can be life-changing! When we understand His character, we learn to live in faith and freedom no matter what life throws our way.
In this article, we are going to take a look at a few of the many attributes of God and the special qualities and characteristics that make Him who He is.
In this study, we’ll take a look at:
✔ 30 key attributes of God (with Scripture)
✔ Answers to tough questions we all ask from time to time
✔ Reflection questions and journaling prompts to help you dig deeper
✔ A free printable 30-day reading plan to use alongside your Bible
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God Seen Through Jesus
Before we begin exploring God’s attributes and character, one of the clearest pictures of God’s character can be found in Jesus Christ himself.
In John 14:8-9, Philip asked Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father.” Jesus replied, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father“.
Scripture also tells us in Colossians 1:15 that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God,” and Hebrews confirms this by saying He is “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.“
So, if you want to know what God is like, look to Jesus!
In Jesus, we see:
- God’s love, demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice.
- God’s power, displayed in each of Jesus’ miracles and resurrection.
- God’s wisdom, seen in His teachings.
- God’s holiness, shown throughout Jesus’ sinless life.
- God’s mercy, given to outcasts, the broken, the poor, and the sick.
- God’s truth, as was spoken through Jesus.
Let’s go ahead and explore further! In the following sections, we’ll look at 30 attributes of God one by one, examining what Scripture teaches us about each characteristic and how we can apply these truths to our daily lives.
While Jesus perfectly displays God’s nature, studying these specific attributes can help us to get a more complete understanding of our wonderful Creator and deepen our relationship with Him.
FREE Attributes Of God Printable
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Now, let’s dive into our exploration of God’s amazing attributes!
The Characteristics Of God
God’s attributes are unchanging characteristics, they are the essence of who He is. They’re not just theological ideas; they’re the foundation of our relationship with Him.
God is Sovereign
God rules over everything. Nothing happens outside His control or without Him knowing. Nothing surprises him and nothing happens outside His will.
“The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”
(Psalm 103:19)
God’s sovereignty invites us to trust Him especially when life is chaotic or uncertain. No matter what is happening, remember that God sees everything and holds all power. When we truly believe that God is sovereign, it helps us to find peace, even in difficult times.
God is Omnipotent
The word “omnipotent” simply means all-powerful. There is nothing God cannot do!
“Ah, Lord GOD! … Nothing is too hard for You.”
(Jeremiah 32:17)
When you face big problems that seem impossible to solve, remember that God has no limits. This is the same God who created the universe with just His words! He can handle your situation. His power never runs out, and He is never too weak to help you.
God is Self-Sufficient
Unlike us, God doesn’t need anything or anyone to exist. He is completely independent and self-sufficient!
“He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything. Rather, He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.”
(Acts 17:25)
God doesn’t love us because He needs us. He loves us because He chooses to. He gives His love freely, not based on what we can give Him or what we do.
God is Transcendent
God is far above our understanding, and His thinking and plans are much greater than ours.
“My ways are higher than yours.”
(Isaiah 55:9)
When life doesn’t make sense, remember that God sees the complete picture while we only see a small part of it.
I like to think of it like this: Imagine you are walking in a street parade. While you’re in the parade, you can only see what’s directly around you – the few people nearby, maybe the float ahead of you, and a small section of the crowd. Your view is limited to your spot.
But if you were watching from the top of a tall building instead, you would see everything – where the parade starts and ends, all the floats in order, the entire route, and even traffic problems miles ahead. You would have the “big picture” view.
This is similar to how God sees our lives.
We only experience one moment at a time and can’t see what’s coming. But God, being transcendent, sees our entire life journey—our past, present, and future—all at once. He knows how today’s confusing events connect to tomorrow’s blessings. He understands how all the pieces fit together in ways we simply cannot understand from our limited perspective.
When something doesn’t make sense to us, it’s like we’re questioning from our parade position, while God is guiding us with His perfect view from above.
It’s important to remember that we may not always understand God’s ways, but we can trust that His wisdom is perfect. This helps us have faith even when we don’t have all the answers.
God is Jealous
When we think of jealousy, we think of what humans are like when they are jealous; it’s not a pretty picture! Human jealousy can be ugly, selfish, or downright mean!
But when the Bible talks about God being jealous, it’s different.
God’s jealousy means He loves us completely and wants our whole hearts. He won’t share our love and worship with anything else. This is why idols (anything we put before God in our hearts or lives) are so offensive to Him.
“The Lord, whose name is Jealous.”
(Exodus 34:14)
God’s jealousy shows us how much He loves us and values His relationship with us.
God is Wise
God always knows the best action, the perfect timing, and the right way.
“Oh, the depth of His wisdom!”
(Romans 11:33)
When you need help and direction in life, remember that God never makes mistakes. His wisdom guides the universe and can guide your life too. We can ask for His wisdom in our decisions, knowing He gives it freely when we ask (James 1:5).
God is Faithful
God always keeps His promises and will never change His mind about the love He has for us.
“God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
(1 Corinthians 1:9)
We live in a world where people often break their word but God’s faithfulness stands firm no matter what.
Titus 1:2 simply says, “God cannot lie” so you can count on Him completely, trusting that He always keeps His promises.
Even when we struggle or turn away from Him, God’s faithfulness doesn’t change. Take some time to read the story of Hosea in the Bible. It is a powerful example of how faithful God is!
God is Love
The Bible doesn’t just say that God is loving, it says “God IS love”. It’s not just a feeling, it’s who He is.
“God is love.”
(1 John 4:8)
When you feel unloved, remember that the Creator of the universe loves you perfectly. In fact, He loves you so much that he sent His son to die for you so that you can be saved!
God is Merciful
When the Bible talks about being merciful, it means that God could rightfully punish us when we do wrong. But instead, he offers us forgiveness and a fresh start!
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…”
Ephesians 2:4
Lamentations 3:22-23 talks about God’s mercies being new each morning, so begin each day remembering how compassionate God is even when we mess up!
God is Long-Suffering
The word “long-suffering” means patient, for a long time! God doesn’t give up on us quickly, He gives us time to change and grow.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
(2 Peter 3:9)
God respects our freedom to choose and never forces anyone to come to Him. Instead, He patiently waits, giving us many chances to turn to Him. His patience shows His deep love for us, even when we turn away from Him.
God is Good
Even though it might not always seem like it, everything God does comes from His goodness.
“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;”
Psalm 100:5.
Even when life is hard, God’s goodness doesn’t change. He works all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). His goodness means He always wants what’s best for us, even if we can’t see it right away.
God is Gracious
Grace is when God gives us good things and treats us with kindness and generosity that go far beyond what we deserve. And when we make mistakes, God forgives us and helps us.
“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.”
(Psalm 145:8)
When we truly understand how gracious God is to us, it changes how we see and treat others. Instead of being harsh or demanding, we learn to show the same undeserved kindness to the people around us. God’s grace teaches us to live better lives (Titus 2:11-12).
God Is Our Provider
God is our Provider and promises to take care of us. He cares about all our needs, no matter how big or small.
“I will supply all your needs.”
(Philippians 4:19)
When we worry about money, food, or what lies ahead, remember that God knows what we need even before we ask.
God Is Our Healer
God is our Healer, and he can mend our bodies, our hearts, and our minds.
“I am the Lord who heals you.”
(Exodus 15:26)
There is no pain and sickness that is too great for God to heal. Sometimes healing can take time, but God promises that he is always close to the brokenhearted to bring comfort and hope (Psalm 34:18).
God Is Holy
God is holy, which means that He is completely pure and free from all sin.
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord!”
(Isaiah 6:3)
Because God is holy he cannot tolerate evil or sin. Yet, despite this he made a way for us to saved through the death of Jesus on the cross. The Bible says we must “be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16), and we should ask the Holy Spirit to help us live holy lives every day.
God Is Just
When the Bible talks about God being just, it means that He always does what’s right and fair. He is the perfect judge.
“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.”
(Deuteronomy 32:4)
When you are unfairly treated or you see injustice in the world, remember that God sees everything and will make all things right in the end. Understanding this helps us to trust God and also encourages us to treat others with fairness and respect.
God Is Righteous
God’s righteousness means that He is perfectly right in everything He is and does – His righteousness is part of His nature.
“The Lord is righteous in all His ways.”
(Psalm 145:17)
Being righteous means that God never does anything wrong and He never makes any moral mistakes. Scripture says that righteousness is “the foundation of His throne” (Psalm 89:14), so everything he does is true, just, and fair.
When we believe that God is righteous, we learn to trust that He always does what is right, even when we don’t understand. We also learn to understand that this same righteousness also means that He keeps His promises and acts faithfully towards each of us.
God Is Wrathful
Because God is righteous, good and just, it means that he hates sin and evil especially because it destroys us and others. But unlike human anger, God’s anger is always perfect, controlled, and never selfish. He responds to sin at the right time and in the right way.
“The Lord avenges.”
(Nahum 1:2)
As God’s children, we are free from His wrath and can live in peace knowing that He made a way for just to be close to Him through the cross.
God Is The Perfect Judge
Scripture tells us that God is the Judge of all the earth and that He will judge everyone fairly.
“He will judge the world in righteousness.”
(Psalm 96:13)
Knowing that God is the perfect judge means that we don’t have to hang onto bitterness or try to get even with others when we have been wronged. We can leave judgment to Him and rather focus on living the best lives we can without carrying resentment and hate with us each day.
God Is Perfect
God is perfect in every way. He never makes mistakes, fails, forgets, or makes poor decisions.
“Be perfect, as your Father is perfect.”
(Matthew 5:48)
This verse was given to us by Jesus himself and, I don’t know about you, but it is a little overwhelming! No matter how hard we try, we will always fall short of perfection. But, each day God gives us the Holy Spirit to help us grow and learn as we make our way through life.
God Is Light
God is light, with no evil at all within Him. His light shines into every dark place showing us what is true and right.
“In Him is no darkness.”
(1 John 1:5)
Whenever you feel lost or aren’t sure about what’s right, spend time reading your Bible, asking God to help you see things clearly. Trust that God will lead you to what is good and right.
God Is Omnipresent
God is everywhere, all the time! There is no place where He is not.
“Where can I flee from Your presence?”
(Psalm 139:7)
You are never alone! No matter where you are or how you feel, God is always with you. So remember to talk to Him wherever you are because He always hears you!
God Is Omniscient
God knows everything, and nothing is hidden from Him.
“You know my thoughts.”
(Psalm 139:2)
God understands everything and every one. He understands you even when you can’t put your feelings into words. He knows and understands your struggles so you can be honest with him with your worries and questions.
God Is Truth
God is truth; He cannot lie, and His words are always completely true.
“Your word is truth.”
(John 17:17)
Life can be incredibly confusing, and it’s easy to become anxious and worried. When you feel this way, you can look to God’s word for answers. You can trust the Bible to show you what is true about God, yourself, and life.
God Is Immutable
God is immutable, this means He never changes, no matter what.
“I the Lord do not change.”
(Malachi 3:6)
People, feelings, and circumstances can change, but God stays the same forever! You can depend on His promises and His love every single day, no matter what you are going through or what happens.
God Is The Alpha & Omega
God is the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and Omega. He is eternal and sovereign all the time.
“The Beginning and the End.”
(Revelation 22:13)
Everything starts and ends with God. He knows and completely understands your past, present, and future. You can trust Him, knowing that He is in control of everything from start to finish.
God Is The Good Shepherd
God is described as our Shepherd. He leads us, cares for us, and protects us just like a shepherd looks after His sheep.
“The Lord is my Shepherd.”
(Psalm 23:1)
Just like a shepherd, God wants to help you and guide you through life’s choices and difficulties. So when you feel lost or afraid, remember He is close, providing everything you need and giving you rest.
God Our Father
When Jesus taught his followers to pray, He told them to begin their prayers but saying, “Our Father.” This shows us just how much God wants us to come to Him, just like children to a good parent.
“Our Father in heaven.”
(Matthew 6:9)
Unlike human parents who can sometimes make mistakes, God never fails us or stops loving us. He is patient and kind, provides for all our needs, teaches us, protects us, and comforts us when we are hurting. He is the perfect father!
God The Redeemer
A redeemer is someone who pays a price to release another person from a debt or bondage. Jesus paid the price for our sins when He sacrificed Himself on the cross so that we can be free.
“I have redeemed you.”
(Isaiah 43:1)
No matter what mistakes you’ve made, God can forgive and restore you. Your past does not define who you are; God’s love does. So live in the freedom that He has already paid the price for your sins.
God Is Eternal
God has no beginning and no end. He exists outside of time, and time itself is part of His creation. God is always the same, yesterday, today, and forever.
“From everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”
(Psalm 90:2)
Your life is in the hands of a God who sees beyond today! So when you feel like everything is going wrong or you feel anxious about the future, remember that God is never surprised or rushed. He already knows the whole story, and His love, wisdom, and faithfulness are not limited by circumstances or time.
Q&A: Some Common Questions about God’s Character and Attributes
I don’t know about you but I wrestle with many of Gods attributes so much of the time! I know that it is impossible to fully understand God but sometimes it is hard to trust, especially when we see so much struggle and injustice in the world today. If that sounds like you, then I hope that Q&A’s help a little…
1. If God is good, why does He allow suffering?
God’s goodness doesn’t mean we will live a pain-free life. In fact, sometimes you will see that those who are closest to God seem to struggle the most, while those who are far from Him seem to live carefree lives.
But, because God’s goodness is defined by his nature (1 John 4:8) and not by circumstances, we can hold onto the fact that He will redeem our pain for a greater purpose even though we can’t see what His plan is yet.
We also need to remember that God is always with us and goes with us into our suffering (John 11:35). We are never alone, no matter what we are going through.
When you are going through something difficult, remember to speak to God honestly. Let Him know if you are angry, sad, disappointed, frustrated, alone, etc. He can handle it!
Bible Verses:
- “He causes all things to work together for good” (Romans 8:28).
- “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18).
2. If God is sovereign, do my choices even matter?
Yes! God’s sovereignty includes your free will – He will never bully you into following Him or keeping His commands. He is like a master chess player, He knows every possible move, yet still allows you to choose (Psalm 139:16).
Think of Joseph’s brothers. They chose evil! They sold their brother into slavery and told their father that he had been killed by wild animals. Yet God used this sin to save Joseph’s whole family from famine and starvation (Genesis 50:20).
If you are wondering whether your prayers can change God’s mind about something, then this devotional is for you!
Bible Verses:
- “Choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15).
- “It is God who works in you to will and to act” (Philippians 2:13).
3. How can God be loving and wrathful at the same time?
God’s wrath is against sin, not people. He loves His people too much to ignore what harms and destroys them.
Think of it like this: A parent becomes incredibly angry when their child runs into traffic. The parent isn’t angry because they hate their child; they are angry precisely because they love their child so deeply and want to protect them from all danger.
In the same way, God’s wrath comes from His perfect love and desire to protect us from the destructive power of sin.
Bible Verses:
- “The Lord is slow to anger but great in power” (Nahum 1:3).
- “God demonstrates His love: Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
4. If God is omnipresent, why does He feel distant sometimes?
Just because we feel something that doesn’t make it true. God promises us that He is with us even when we can’t see him (Isaiah 41:10).
If you are in a time of your life where you cant see or feel God, use this time to grow in your faith. As John 20:29 says, “Blessed are those who haven’t seen and yet believe”.
And remember, the sun doesn’t vanish on cloudy days, it’s still there…
Bible Verses:
- “I will never leave you” (Hebrews 13:5).
- “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
5. How can an infinite God care about little old me?
Precisely because He’s infinite! Being all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere all at the same time means He can pay full attention to you and everyone else simultaneously.
He’s like a symphony conductor who can hear each instrument individually while still holding the entire orchestra together.
God’s limitless nature doesn’t make Him distant, it actually allows Him to be intimately involved with every detail of your life without being spread thin, overwhelmed, or distracted.
Key Verses:
- “He counts the stars and calls them by name” (Psalm 147:4).
- “Even the hairs of your head are numbered” (Matthew 10:30).
Dig Deeper With Journaling Prompts
Use these journaling prompts to explore your thoughts and feelings about God’s attributes and character.
Every attribute of God is a reason to praise Him!
He is strong when we are weak, loving when we feel alone, fair when life seems unfair, and always present, no matter what.
Our God is truly wonderful!
Final Thoughts
As you start to understand who God really is, you’ll find that knowing Him changes everything!
You’ll feel more confident when you pray. Your worship will feel more genuine and authentic. When you serve, you’ll feel more joyful and when you speak to others you bill become more compelling! You’ll start to see His character reflected in your own life as the Holy Spirit works within you.
Free 30-Day Attributes Of God Reading Plan
If you haven’t already done so, don’t forget to download your free PDF reading plan printable that you can use over the next month to read the full verses and Bible chapters referenced in this article.
