When we think about the attributes of God, what comes to our minds first? Maybe, loving, gracious, or forgiving. Where does “just” and “holy” fall on our list? Somewhere near the bottom?
God is loving, but He is also just. We need to keep in mind the whole character of God to respond to Him as we should. King David understood this. Psalm 100 begins like this:
I will sing of your love and justice. I will praise you, LORD with songs. I will be careful to live a blameless life – when will you come to my aid? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. Psalm 101: 1-2, NLT
David experienced God’s love, grace, and forgiveness multiple times throughout his life. Chosen to be king. Protection from Saul. Victory over his enemies.
He also knew God’s justice. Heavy conviction of sin. Discipline for disobedience. Even the consequences of his sin affecting others.
David desired to live a blameless life because God is both loving and just. David longed to please God and David learned to fear the possible result of disobedience. No one knew better than David that sin can have dire consequences.
Psalm 101 voices David’s commitment to obedience to God. He longed to offer a blameless life to the God who is both loving and just. David even got very specific about how he intended to live. Read Psalm 101 below from the New Living Translation. Perhaps God will move you to make a commitment of your own to Him today.
I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.
I will praise you with songs.
I will be careful to live a blameless life—
when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
in my own home.
I will refuse to look at
anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
I will have nothing to do with them.
I will reject perverse ideas
and stay away from every evil.
I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
I will not endure conceit and pride.
I will search for faithful people
to be my companions.
Only those who are above reproach
will be allowed to serve me.
I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house,
and liars will not stay in my presence.
My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked
and free the city of the Lord from their grip.
Titus Bible Study
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