“Glorifying God does not mean obeying him only because you have to. It means obeying him because you want to — because you are attracted to him, because you delight in him.” – Tim Keller

At one point in my spiritual life I realized that God is a person. He has a personality, and he likes to be treated as other persons do. There is much revealed about him and his various attributes in the Bible – things like being all-powerful, holy, all-knowing, and everywhere present. But we almost have to read between the lines to find his personality. We see a range of actions – such as creation and judgment – and we see a range of emotions – anger, love, patience, resilience, for example.

But, as we get to know his Spirit who lives within us as a constant companion, we learn more. In fact, I think we learn a lot about the personality of God by looking at the characteristics the Spirit is developing within us to make us more like Jesus (Ephesians 5:22-23).

Through the Spirit, God is giving us a glimpse of his own personality. That means God is loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled. Thinking of him on those terms, don’t you find him attractive? Doesn’t it make us want to spend more time with him? Doesn’t it mean we can trust him?

The great and holy God of the universe has invited us into friendship with him. Let’s get to know him as the friend who never leaves, who understands, who helps us find our way even when it’s dark.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13