![]() ![]() ![]() It almost seems like there are two faces of God. The “ wrath of God” is an expression commonly used in connection with these attributes. These reflect God as a judge who rewards good behavior and punishes bad. There is another set of attributes for God that might seem at odds with grace. And it is common to see them used together. These three attributes are closely related. It is impossible to discuss adequately God's grace without also mentioning love and mercy. His creation, his providence, his conviction of the sinner, his gift of salvation, his equipping of the saints, and the future he has prepared for us. Every action of God toward us involves his grace. Grace is what God does because he is gracious. ![]() Grace is the Hebrew word chanan or the Greek word charis, meaning “the state of kindness and favor toward someone, often with a focus on a benefit given to the object.” ( Strong’s Greek 5485). Because he is gracious he demonstrates grace in everything he does. Graciousness is not something that he puts on and takes off depending on the situation. That God is gracious would mean that he is favorably inclined toward us. Gracious, the Hebrew word channun, in its verb form, means to be considerate, to show favor. ![]() In Exodus 34:6, when God is showing himself to Moses, we read " The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." Gracious is used here as an adjective describing God. We experience God's grace because God is gracious. ![]()
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