Understanding God's True Character: Compassion, Grace, and Love

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Self-Revelation: Compassionate, Gracious, Slow to Anger

God reveals Himself to Moses as compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. This is not just a list of attributes, but the very heart of who God is—His default posture toward humanity. When we approach God, we are not met with harshness or impatience, but with a deep, enduring love and mercy that extends to us even when we fall short. This revelation is meant to shape the way we see God, ourselves, and the world, inviting us to trust in His unchanging character no matter our circumstances. [10:55]

Exodus 34:5-7 (ESV)
The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

Reflection: When you pray, do you picture God as compassionate and gracious toward you, or do you find yourself holding back out of fear or shame? What would it look like to approach Him today believing His heart is full of mercy for you?

Day 2: The Power of God’s Presence

Moses knew that what set God’s people apart was not their own strength or goodness, but the presence of God Himself. He pleaded with God not to send them forward unless His presence would go with them, recognizing that God’s nearness is the only true source of rest, guidance, and distinction in a chaotic world. This same invitation is extended to us: to seek God’s presence above all else, trusting that He desires to walk with us, lead us, and make Himself known in our daily lives. [07:01]

Exodus 33:14-16 (ESV)
And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to invite God’s presence today, rather than relying on your own strength or plans?

Day 3: Removing False Lenses: Seeing God as He Truly Is

Our view of God is often shaped by our upbringing, experiences, and even the lies of the enemy, rather than by God’s own self-revelation. The enemy’s oldest tactic is to whisper, “Is God really who He says He is?”—causing us to doubt His goodness and love. But Scripture invites us to lay down these false lenses and see God as He truly is: steadfast, compassionate, and faithful. When we do, it transforms not only our relationship with God but also how we live and love others. [24:21]

Genesis 3:1-5 (ESV)
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Reflection: What is one false belief or “lens” about God that you have carried from your past, and how might you begin to replace it with the truth of who He says He is?

Day 4: Jesus: The Perfect Reflection of the Father

It is easy to imagine a divide between the God of the Old Testament and Jesus in the New Testament, but Scripture teaches that Jesus is the perfect reflection of the Father’s heart. The compassion, grace, and steadfast love revealed to Moses are fully embodied in Jesus, who shows us what God is truly like. When we look at Jesus—His actions, His words, His love for the broken—we see the very character of God on display, inviting us to trust that God’s heart has always been for us. [14:29]

John 14:8-9 (ESV)
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”

Reflection: As you read the Gospels, what is one way you see Jesus reflecting the compassion and grace of God the Father, and how does that change the way you relate to God?

Day 5: Drawing Near: Knowing God as Friend

Moses’ relationship with God was marked by intimacy—he spoke with God “face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” This kind of closeness is not reserved for a select few, but is offered to all who seek God’s presence. Spending time with God, not just learning about Him but truly knowing Him, transforms us and grounds us in His love. Even when we feel unworthy or ashamed, God invites us to draw near, to lay down our burdens, and to discover the joy of friendship with Him. [29:43]

James 4:8 (ESV)
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can set aside time this week to simply be in God’s presence, seeking to know Him as a friend rather than just learning about Him?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the profound moment in Exodus 34 where God reveals not just His name, but His very character to Moses. After the Israelites’ rebellion with the golden calf, Moses pleads with God not just for direction, but for God’s presence and a deeper understanding of who He truly is. God responds by declaring Himself as compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, forgiving yet just. This is the most quoted passage by the Bible itself, underscoring its foundational importance for understanding who God is.

Moses’ relationship with God is unique—he meets with God “face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” This intimacy is not just for Moses; it’s an invitation for all of us. The way we see God shapes every aspect of our lives—our faith, our relationships, and our response to the world’s brokenness. Many of us carry distorted images of God, shaped by our upbringing, culture, or painful experiences. Sometimes, we see God as distant, angry, or quick to punish, rather than as the loving Father He reveals Himself to be.

God’s self-description in Exodus 34 is a corrective lens for our hearts. Compassion is not just a feeling but a posture of God’s heart toward us. Grace is His action—He moves toward us, forgives, and restores. God’s anger is real, but it is slow and directed at injustice and evil, not at our every mistake. His love and faithfulness extend to a thousand generations, far outweighing His judgment, which is limited and just.

The enemy’s oldest tactic is to distort our view of God, whispering that God is not truly good or trustworthy. This lie, first heard in Eden, still echoes in our hearts today. But Scripture and the life of Jesus both affirm that God is exactly who He says He is—unchanging, gracious, compassionate, and abounding in love. Our calling is to lay down false lenses and seek God’s face, both in Scripture and in His presence, so that we might know Him as He truly is and reflect His character to the world.

Key Takeaways

1. The way we view God shapes our entire lives. If our lens is distorted—by pain, culture, or past authority figures—we may approach God with fear or distance, missing out on the intimacy He offers. Letting Scripture, especially God’s own words about Himself, reshape our vision is essential for a vibrant, authentic faith. [12:12]
2. God’s compassion is not abstract; it is a posture of His heart toward us. When we pray, we approach a God who feels deeply for us, who is moved by our struggles, and who responds with tenderness rather than judgment. This truth invites us to come boldly, not timidly, into His presence. [15:21]
3. Grace is God’s action in our lives—He not only feels compassion but moves toward us to forgive, restore, and walk with us. Even when we fail repeatedly, His grace is not exhausted. Our failures do not disqualify us from His love or His purposes. [17:48]
4. God’s justice and mercy are not in conflict. While He does not ignore evil, His default posture is steadfast love and forgiveness, extending to a thousand generations. His anger is slow and measured, directed at true injustice, not at our every weakness. This balance gives us hope and security in a world full of uncertainty. [20:29]
5. The enemy’s primary tactic is to distort our view of God, sowing doubt about His goodness and faithfulness. Recognizing and rejecting these lies is crucial. We do this by immersing ourselves in Scripture and spending time in God’s presence, asking Him to reveal Himself as He truly is—a God who desires friendship, not distance, with His people. [24:21]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:03] - Introduction: The Names of God
[03:00] - Moses’ Journey and the Golden Calf
[05:30] - The Tent of Meeting: Moses’ Unique Relationship
[07:01] - Moses’ Plea for God’s Presence
[10:55] - God’s Self-Revelation on Mount Sinai
[12:12] - How Our Lens Shapes Our View of God
[13:29] - The Old Testament and Jesus: One God, One Character
[14:29] - Exploring God’s Compassion and Grace
[15:21] - God’s Heart: Compassion and Action
[17:48] - God’s Justice and Mercy
[20:29] - God’s Unchanging Nature in an Unstable World
[22:18] - Trusting God Amidst Uncertainty
[23:07] - The Enemy’s Oldest Lie
[24:21] - Removing False Lenses
[29:43] - Invitation to Seek God’s Face

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Exodus 34:5-8 (ESV) — > The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped.

Observation Questions

In Exodus 34:5-8, what are the specific words God uses to describe His own character? How do these words compare to how people often describe God?
According to the sermon, what was unique about Moses’ relationship with God, especially in the way they communicated? [[05:30]]
What was the context in which God revealed His character to Moses? What had just happened with the Israelites? [[03:00]]
How does God’s description of Himself in Exodus 34 address both His mercy and His justice? What phrases show this balance?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that the way we see God shapes every aspect of our lives. Why do you think our “lens” of God is so powerful in shaping our faith and relationships? [[12:12]]
God describes Himself as “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” What does it mean for God’s compassion to be a “posture of His heart” rather than just a feeling? [[15:21]]
The passage says God’s love and faithfulness extend to a thousand generations, but His judgment is limited to the third and fourth. What does this contrast tell us about God’s priorities and His heart toward people? [[17:48]]
The sermon mentions that the enemy’s oldest tactic is to distort our view of God. How does this play out in the story of Adam and Eve, and how might it still affect us today? [[24:21]]

Application Questions

When you picture God, what image comes to mind? Is it shaped more by your upbringing, culture, or Scripture? How might you begin to let God’s own words about Himself reshape your view? [[12:12]]
The sermon says God’s compassion is not just a feeling but a posture toward us. When you pray, do you approach God as someone who is deeply compassionate toward you, or do you find yourself holding back? What would it look like to come boldly into His presence this week? [[15:21]]
Grace is described as God’s action—moving toward us, forgiving, and restoring. Can you think of a recent time when you felt like you had failed God? How did you respond, and how might you respond differently knowing His grace is not exhausted? [[17:48]]
God’s anger is real but slow, and it’s directed at injustice, not every mistake. Are there areas in your life where you assume God is angry with you? How does this passage challenge that assumption? [[17:48]]
The sermon talks about “false lenses” we carry—ways of seeing God that aren’t true. What are some of the false lenses you’ve picked up (for example, seeing God as distant, angry, or quick to punish)? What would it look like to lay those down and seek God’s face as Moses did? [[24:21]]
Moses met with God “face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” What practical steps could you take this week to spend time in God’s presence, not just asking for things, but seeking to know Him more deeply? [[29:43]]
The enemy’s tactic is to sow doubt about God’s goodness. Are there specific doubts or lies you struggle with about God’s character? How can you use Scripture and prayer to confront those lies and replace them with truth? [[24:21]]

Sermon Clips

Moses has this really unique relationship with God that we don't actually see that much before Moses and especially not in the Old Testament and in the scripture actually says that the Lord would speak to Moses face to face as one speaks to a friend which I just think is beautiful and actually the the beauty of of the faith that we have is that we also get to speak to God face to face as a friend. [00:05:01] (27 seconds) #FaceToFaceWithGod

So we can see here a picture of Moses having a dialogue with God in the tent of meeting and the preface to this a couple of verses just before here God has said to Moses because of this whole golden calf situation because you the people of Israel keep turning from God he's saying okay I will still be faithful to my promise to send you into the promised land but actually I'm not going to go with you because you are too stubborn you are too stiff -necked you have turned from me too many times and Moses is contending with you lord and saying actually god if you're not going with this then i don't want to go we don't want to go we don't want to go from here and so he's asking god god would you show us would you show me who you are and would you go with us would your presence go with us and god replies and says okay okay because you've asked i will because you've asked i will show you my glory but you cannot see the fullness of who i am because if you do you will die. [00:08:05] (65 seconds) #FaithfulPresence

And our view of God is also one of those lenses that really shapes us and shapes how we view and how we interact with the world and how we view and how we interact with God. And I think it's a really interesting question to ask ourselves is where does our picture of God come from? Where does who we say God is come from?When you picture God, who do you picture?Do you picture a white man sat on a cloud? Or do you picture a friend who is close to you? All of these things impact the way that we then go and relate to the world. [00:12:47] (42 seconds) #JesusReflectsTheFather

God is gracious that word gracious where compassion is this kind of heartfelt heart posture the word gracious that's an action to have grace with somebody is an action to be gracious to be merciful um that that word is an action it's it's an extending of compassion but it's not just okay I'm going to have compassion on you and then I'm going to walk away it's I'm going to have compassion on you and I'm going to take action to walk out that compassion towards you I'm going to have grace when you get it wrong like he had on the people of Israel and said okay I will go with you if you're asking me to go with you I'm not going to hold the things that you've done wrong against you I am going to have compassion I'm going to have grace I am going to forgive. [00:15:50] (53 seconds) #SlowToAngerRichInLove

He is slow to anger he is rich in love I love that it doesn't say that God doesn't get angry says he is slow to anger I think sometimes we can paint anger as this really negative emotion that we just should avoid it's this horrible thing anger leads to violence it leads to yeah yeah leads to uncomfortable disconnect but actually youGod is slow to anger means that he does get angry and the things he gets angry with are not the little things that me and you get wrong but actually the things that God gets angry with are the injustices in the worldis the evil in the world that we see and I think is the suffering that we experience God gets angry at the suffering we have to go throughbut he is slow to anger meaning he's not a God of a short fuse he's not a God who's just suddenly going to click and flip and tell you off and send you outcast he is a God who is slow to anger but is rich in love. [00:16:57] (84 seconds) #GenerationsOfGrace

I hope I'm not the only one in the room that's had those thoughts.Oh yeah, God, he's forgiven me so many times, he's not going to forgive me this time. And oh my goodness, I should have really got my act together by now. Surely God's going to have given up on me.I was thinking, I was like, where do those things come from if it's so clearly in Exodus and then that story is completely reaffirmed throughout scripture and is shown even more greatly to us in Jesus. Like we see Jesus acting graciously, we see Jesus acting compassionately, we see him be slow to anger.So with all of that evidence, why is it that it's so easy to kind of allow the lens of a vengeful, angry God that doesn't fully love me, God whose compassion has run out? Why is it so easy to let that lens be our lens? [00:23:03] (51 seconds) #EnemyOfTruth

And that I think that the air of what is in what the enemy is saying is, God.not who he says he is yeah he might have said that but it's not true actually it's better if you do it my way God's not who he says he is and I wonder if that lie has lingered through humanity through the rest of time and that actually the enemy knows if you if you've decided to believe in God I think the enemy changes his tactic a little bit of like okay I'm not going to convince you to be an atheist I'll try stop that one but if I can change your perception of who you see God to be actually that will completely change your outlook on life and that will completely change the way you relate to God and that will completely change the way that you live out your kingdom's calling if you have a niggle in the back of your mind that says God's not really gracious and compassionate that's going to change a lot of things. [00:24:28] (59 seconds) #BreakingFalseLenses

But actually if we're able to see that lie for what it is and go actually no I want to remove the lenses of who may be cultural society has told me that God is of maybe what and who authority figures have modelled God to be to me I think sometimes we can see God so much through the lens of our earthly experiences of authority figures whether that's the really strict head teacher at primary school or whether that's the way that your dad related to you whatever it might be sometimes we have these caricatures these archetypes of who we see God through that actually aren't based in scripture. [00:25:27] (39 seconds) #ReflectingGodsImage

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