Key Passages:

Exodus 34:6 (short form) – A merciful and gracious God

1 John 4:7-16 – God is love

1 Cor 13:4-7 – Love is patient, kind…

Isa. 63:7-9 – God’s gracious deeds for His people

Deut. 4:29-32 – Rediscovering a gracious God

1 Chr. 16:8-12 – David’s song of thanksgiving

Key questions:

1. Why is it that Christians want to affirm the goodness of God more than the power of God?

Examples: Short form of Exodus 34:6

1 Corinthians 13 (in contrast to 1 Corinthians 5)

2. What is the touchstone for the goodness of God? What or who determines what is good?

3. What role does Jesus play in our thinking about the goodness of God?

4. If we have a benchmark for the goodness of God, does that enable us to go back and grapple with the tough stuff in Scripture?

Examples: God’s heavy hand (2 she-bears)

God’s neglect (god-forsakenness of Psalm 22)

5. When believers face the tough stuff in life, the seemingly empty heavens, what enables them to keep on believing?