In this series, we’re untangling second-hand truths about God by going straight to the source.

Where Did Your Picture of God Come From?

Not your technical beliefs — but your gut instinct about Him.

For many of us, that picture formed quietly over time through church experiences, culture, conversations, and painful moments.

Even growing up in church doesn’t guarantee accuracy. As a kid, I sang “We Exalt Thee” but thought the words were “We Exhaust Thee.” I genuinely believed God must be worn out from dealing with us.

It sounds funny — but many people carry misunderstandings about God for years without realizing it.

Some didn’t grow up in church at all. Their impressions came from movies, conversations, or negative experiences with religious people.

As adults, many discover their childhood version of God can’t stand up to real-life questions. Some walk away from faith. Others stay physically but check out mentally.

Often, people aren’t rejecting God.

They’re rejecting a distorted version they were handed.

You can reject the right God for the wrong reasons.

God Reveals Who He Really Is

The Bible is a story of God revealing Himself.

In Exodus 34, God personally describes His character after Israel’s major failure with the golden calf.

“Yahweh! The LORD!
The God of compassion and mercy!
Slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.”
— Exodus 34:6

God is personal, not abstract.
He is consistent, not unpredictable.
And His character does not change based on our behavior.

This passage becomes the most quoted description of God in Scripture because it corrects our misconceptions.

Two truths we often get wrong:

God’s justice
God’s mercy

We tend to choose one. God perfectly holds both.

1. God Does Not Ignore Sin

Some imagine God as endlessly permissive — all grace, no correction.

But real love protects.

Sin destroys lives. What feels good in the moment can lead to long-term damage. God forgives sin, but He never pretends it’s harmless.

A God who ignores injustice wouldn’t be loving.

God is loving and holy.

He does not shrug at sin.

He is a loving Father, not a careless guardian.

2. God Doesn’t Snap at Sinners

Others picture God as constantly disappointed — quick to judge and impossible to please.

But God describes Himself as:

“Compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love…”

“Slow to anger” literally means long-fused.

God’s anger is measured and patient. He delays judgment to give people time to repent and return.

He is not waiting for you to fail.

You must walk over a mountain of grace before reaching His judgment.

God doesn’t shrug at sin.
But He doesn’t snap at sinners.

3. God Shows Unfailing Love

God’s love is described with the Hebrew word ḥesed — loyal, covenant love.

Not based on performance.
Not easily withdrawn.
Love that keeps showing up.

Even in ruin, Scripture says:

“His mercies are new every morning.”
— Lamentations 3:23

You cannot exhaust God’s mercy.

Not because you’re perfect — but because He is faithful.

The Cross Shows the Full Picture

At the cross, mercy and justice meet.

God doesn’t ignore sin.
He pays for it through Jesus.

Love satisfies justice.

That’s the real picture of God.

Come Closer

If you believe God is distant or angry, you’ll stay at the bottom of the mountain.

But when Moses encountered who God really is, he fell in worship.

That’s what happens when you meet the real God.

He isn’t a God looking for reasons to push you away.

He is a Second Chance Savior inviting you closer.