The Apostle Paul opened his second epistle to the church at Corinth by describing God as the source of great blessings. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction…” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4). He closed the letter with… “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11).
Notice that Paul proclaims the names of God. God is the “Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” … “the Father of mercies” … “the God of all comfort” … “the God of love and peace!” Obviously, Paul enjoyed an intimate relationship with an approachable God.
Elsewhere Paul uses many other names to describe the blessings and benefits poured out by our Gracious Father.
The Apostle closed his letter to the Roman church with a benediction. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). In the following chapter he writes: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you” (Romans 16:20). He opened his first letter to Timothy with… “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope” (1 Timothy 1:1).
Peter wrote: “the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you” (1 Peter 5:10).
The Psalmist wrote: “My God of mercy shall come to meet me” (Psalm 59:10, NKJV) and invites the reader to… “Sing for joy to God our strength; shout in triumph to the God of Jacob. Lift up a song—play the tambourine, the melodious lyre, and the harp. Blow the trumpet on the day of our feasts during the new moon and during the full moon” (Psalm 81:1–3).
We don’t serve a distant, impersonal, faceless God. We worship a God known by His loving and gracious characteristics and attributes.
Ours is the “… the God of Love and Peace” (2 Corinthians 13:11).
“… the God of all Grace” (1 Peter 5:10).
“… the God of Hope” (Romans 15:13).
“… the God of Mercy” (Psalm 59:10, NKJV).
“… the God of Peace” (Romans 16:20)
“… the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (1 Corinthians 1:3).
