Unveiling God's Character: Love, Holiness, Justice, and Mercy

God's character is one of perfect love, holiness, and righteousness, revealed fully through Jesus Christ and His divine law1MCP 182.3+3.

Here are some beautiful aspects of God's character:

• Love and Benevolence 💖

  God is love 1 John 4:8 and His entire character is characterized by disinterested benevolence and the beauty of holiness1MCP 182.3. His love for humanity is everlasting and immeasurable, demonstrated supremely by the gift of His only begotten Son for the salvation of the world John 3:16+12SP 38.2+2. This love is purer and more tender than a mother's sympathy, inspiring us to draw closer to HimSTJ 10.3. True love, a precious attribute of heavenly origin, increases in fragrance as it is shared with others, reflecting His own natureYI April 12, 1900, par. 3.

• Holiness and Purity ✨

  God is holy and pure, unchanging in His perfect nature1EGWLM 340.9. He desires His people to cleanse themselves from all filthiness and perfect holiness in His fear, so they may stand before HimCD 49.4. Impurity in thought or practice obscures spiritual vision, preventing one from contemplating and being charmed with God's characterST October 3, 1895, par. 1. The religion of the Bible is designed to restore God's image in the soul, which was marred by sin, bringing humanity back to its created perfection1MCP 359.2.

• Justice and Righteousness ⚖️

  Righteousness and justice are the foundation of God's throne Psalm 89:14EVRR533. His law is holy, just, and good, and a perfect revelation of His character Romans 7:12EVRR533+2. God's righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, signifying a continuous growth in the Christian life Psalm 1:3+1BEST January 15, 1892, par. 4. Christ's cleansing blood takes away our sins, and He imputes His righteousness to those who seek His pardon with contrition1SAT 15.3. The goal of Christianity is to build the human character after the similitude of the divine character, fulfilling the righteousness of the law in believers Romans 8:4HLv 509.3.

• Mercy and Grace 🌟

  The Lord God is merciful, gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin Exodus 34:6-7ARSH November 8, 1898, page 715.9. Through the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord, grace and peace are multiplied, as He provides all things that pertain to life and godliness 2 Peter 1:319MR 339.4. God has made abundant provision for us to lay hold on divine strength, enabling us to become partakers of His divine nature22LtMs, Ms 143, 1907, par. 5. His grace makes it possible for human beings to overcome corruption and develop Christlike charactersCT 60.2+1.

• Paternal and Compassionate 👨‍👧‍👦

  A primary theme in Christ's teachings was the paternal character and abundant love of GodTM 192.3. He desires His creatures to render service of love, springing from an intelligent appreciation of His character, and grants freedom of will for voluntary serviceGC 493.2. As we observe the beauty in nature, we are drawn to Him as a tender, loving Father, quickening our hearts with deeper love, awe, and reverenceRH July 25, 1871, par. 10.

• Divine Power and Wisdom 💪

  God's divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, calling us to glory and virtue 2 Peter 1:319MR 339.4. He is the Wellspring of life and the secret of spiritual power, strengthening the religious experience through prayerPr 12.4. His wisdom is supreme, far above the wisdom of menARSH June 13, 1899, page 372.14. God made Joseph a fountain of life to the Egyptian nation and through Daniel saved the wise men of Babylon, illustrating His desire to bring blessings to the world through His servantsCH 209.2.

• Perfection and Unchanging Nature ♾️

  God expects us to be perfect, and He has made provision for us to be partakers of the divine nature to achieve this perfectionST March 30, 1904, par. 4+1. Jesus is the only true model of goodness and perfection, and His life was perfectly harmonious1MCP 182.3. God does not change; He is just as holy and pure as ever1EGWLM 340.9.

Through continuous contemplation of Christ's character, we become conformed to His image, growing daily in the perfection of Christian characterGW92 451.5+1.

Dear Millicent Anyango,

It is with a heavy heart, and after much prayer and careful consideration among the heaven-selected ministers, that we must communicate the decision to suspend you from active ministry responsibilities at this time. This action is taken in accordance with our established principles of church order and discipline, stemming from concerns regarding your consistent non-participation in ministry activities, as well as your absence from training sessions, Bible studies, and meetings over the past two months without valid explanation or apologyCCh 258.2+3.

We truly value every member and recognize the immense importance of each individual's role in the body of Christ. However, the health and spiritual vitality of the church require that all who serve are fully engaged and committed to upholding the standards and responsibilities entrusted to themCCh 68.2+2.

Understanding Our Sacred Responsibilities 🌟

Every individual has a solemn responsibility to God, especially those engaged in His work. We are called to dedicate ourselves unreservedly to His service, bringing our lives into a closer relationship with Him who owns all we possessST May 20, 1889, par. 1+1. This commitment involves:

• Active Participation: God has given every person an individual responsibility, and to every one, He has given work that cannot be transferred to another9MR 344.1+1. Our collective strength in the church comes from each member actively using their talents and abilities to diffuse light and bless othersCCh 68.2+2. When one is idle or indifferent, the cause of God is hindered9MR 344.1.

• Adherence to Church Order: While we each have an individual work before God, we are not to follow our own judgment regardless of the opinions and feelings of our brethren, for this can lead to disorder in the churchGRC 17.3+2. Church discipline is essential for the preservation of order and purity among God's people, ensuring that the church can hold together as a bodyCCh 258.2+2.

• Acceptance of Discipline and Training: To be truly effective in God's service, we must be under His discipline, which often involves training and education7MR 302.2+2. Neglecting opportunities for spiritual advancement and instruction can lead to unpreparedness for service, potentially necessitating that others step in to bear responsibilities7MR 302.2+3.

• Self-Denial and Consecration: Bearing the yoke of Christ involves self-denial and placing our will in subjection to His Matthew 11:305T 515.2. This path of self-denial is the only path of safety and is fundamental to a life of usefulness and acceptable service to GodCG 409.4+2.

The Path Forward 🙏

Our Lord Jesus Christ has invested great power in His church, delegating the authority to settle questions respecting its prosperity, purity, and order, and even to exclude those who are unworthy and dishonor the truth Matthew 18:18CCh 258.2+1. This is Christian discipline, exercised with love and a desire for restorationLTJMB4 40.2+1.

We earnestly entreat you to consider these things deeply. May God help you to feel the weight of your responsibility and to bring your life into closer relationship with HimPH149 14.4+1. It is our fervent prayer that you will choose to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, allowing Him to work in your heart, and that through this experience, you may come to a clearer understanding of your relation to God and His claims upon you1888 1063.1+1.

We believe that this period of suspension from ministry offers an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and a deeper engagement with the principles of God's Word. We pray for your spiritual advancement and growth, trusting that, with a fresh dedication, you can return to active service, fully equipped to shine brightly for our Master21LtMs, Lt 140, 1906, par. 25+1.

With sincere prayers for your spiritual welfare,

In Christian Fellowship,

Wilfred

Chairman, on behalf of the Heaven-Selected Ministers12MR 113.1