On Drawing the Character of God

As a young artist, all I ever drew was horses. For eighteen years, I drew almost nothing else. When I went to college as an art major, my professor told me that I had talent, but it would never come to fruition if I didn't draw something other than horses. I drew everything at that point, including the kitchen sink, to make a point. However, my first love always was and remained drawing horses. I could draw a horse even if I were blindfolded. I spent so much time drawing horses that in 5 seconds or less, I could draw a very passable picture of a horse. Where you spend your time is where your heart is. And where you spend your time is where your skill develops.

A friend recently asked me that in drawing others closer to God, it might be good to explore what the characteristics of God are that draw people near. I realized that I knew how to draw horses much better than I could draw the character of God that compels me to follow Him. It is not that I don't know, but that I haven't spent much time enumerating or considering the question. It seemed to me, I should.

God is love:

1 John 4:16 

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

1 John 4:8 

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

John 3:16 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

God is forgiving:

1 John 1:9 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Ephesians 1:7 

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

God is merciful:

Psalm 145:9 

The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.

Jeremiah 31:9 

With weeping they shall come, and with pleas for mercy I will lead them back, I will make them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble, for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.

God is just:

Deuteronomy 32:4 

“The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.

Numbers 23:19 

God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

John 3:36 

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

God is the only way to peace and life: 

John 16:33 

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 14:27 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Romans 5:1 

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 26:3 

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Colossians 3:15 

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Romans 15:13 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 8:6

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
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I spent a lifetime drawing horses, and when I close my eyes, I can still draw horses. When I close my eyes, do I see God clearly? Can I draw His character with the same ease and fluency with which I can draw the hoof and flaring nostril of a stallion? I think, surprisingly, I can. This is the God I know and love. Painting His picture with His own words made me realize it all the more.

Beloved, not everyone can draw, but all can draw near to God and He will draw near to you.