We express many forms of affection as we go through life’s ups and downs. For example, we experience joy, sorrow, anger, and so on.
God expresses similar affections as he watches us navigate life, although his are more righteous than ours.
Due to our fallen nature, we view our situations subjectively, analyze them emotionally, and often respond selfishly, inappropriately, or disproportionately.
In contrast, God observes our situations objectively, analyzes them logically, and always responds appropriately. Unlike ours, his responses never stem from need or want.
God’s affections are not, in themselves, intrinsic attributes. Instead, they are righteous responses to the advances we make and the setbacks we encounter in our relationship with him.
Together, they offer insight into his desires for us.
Joy/Delight
God rejoices when we rejoice. He is joyful when we please him. He delights in our success. Jesus rejoiced when his followers returned exuberant after a successful mission trip.
Grief
God grieves when we grieve. Jesus wept with the family of his friend Lazarus after he had died. God anguishes when we persistently live contrary to what he deems best for us.
Pity/Compassion
God pities the innocents who are battered by turmoil through no fault of their own. He is also compassionate toward those who must endure the consequences of their own misbehavior. His pity and compassion prompt him to offer aid and comfort.
Regret/Pain
God never regrets anything he does because he always acts perfectly, but he regrets the consequences of our wrong choices because it pains him to see us miss out on his goodness. He shares our regret when we realize we have made a poor decision.
Anger
God becomes angry, in due course, with those who defy or misrepresent him without repentance.
Jesus expressed anger at the merchants who turned the local worship center into a place of commerce, the religious leaders who espoused petty legalism, those who tried to keep sincere seekers from reaching him, and those who caused others to sin.
He never got angry at anyone else.
Jealousy
God is never envious or covetous because he lacks nothing. However, he is jealous when we give to others what rightfully belongs to him, such as worship, credit, time, and resources.
God wants us to make him the center of our lives, not because he is needy or selfish, but because he knows he is our source of true contentment.
Vengeance
In his time, God avenges those who reject him and oppress his adherents without remorse or contrition.
His punishment is not a vindictive rage over petty slights. Instead, it is righteous retribution for personal sins and evil deeds.
