Our Understanding of God Shapes Our Values

The Power of Perception: How Our Understanding of God Shapes Our Values and Theology

I have heard it said that hurting people hurt people… in my 20+ years ministering with and alongside people, especially the hurting, I found this statement more true then I would want it to be. I find it unfortunate that many of these hurts stem from our perceptions that God or God's people have caused us pain.

As human beings, we seem to be constantly grappling with the question of God's existence and the nature of the Divine. Even the Atheist seem to be saying that I can’t believe in a cruel God that claims to be loving… I further found that this crucial wrestling often defines how we perceive ourselves and our significance in this world. Our ideas about God profoundly impact everything we do—how we live, how we treat others, and the choices we continue to make.

I’ve always found the illustration of Dropping a pebble in a pond, it illustrates how small (or even traumatic) changes in our perception of the Divine can create ripples that affect our lives and the expressions thereof.

 

If we believe that God is loving and kind, we are more likely to embody those qualities in our own lives. However, if we see God as strict and judgmental, that perception can lead us to act negatively toward others and ourselves. If we believe God to be absent or non-existent then that certainly affects how we interact or live in this world. I think that it is essential to think carefully about what we believe and to engage in open dialogue with others who hold different ideas and perspectives. By learning from each other, we can ensure that our beliefs are rooted in love, compassion, and fairness (values that I think most will agree necessary in our lives).

If we believe that God is loving and kind, we are more likely to embody those qualities in our own lives. However, if we see God as strict and judgmental, that perception can influence us to act in negative ways towards others and ourselves. It is essential to think carefully about what we believe and to engage in open dialogue with others who hold different ideas. By learning from each other, we can ensure that our beliefs are rooted in love, compassion, and fairness. 

I am of the humble opinion that Life is an expression of values learned, and as Christians, we find our value in who God is. Living out these expressions means standing up for what is right, being kind to others, and making a genuine effort to understand and help those around us. Our beliefs should not remain mere abstractions; they should translate into tangible ways of being and doing that make a meaningful difference in the world. By aligning our values with our understanding of God, we can create a more loving and just society—and ultimately, a more compassionate world.

 Reflecting on my personal journey, I remember the time of my beloved son Judah's passing. My first response was to wrestle (to fight) with God. I felt anger, confusion, and profound sorrow. This perspective and emotion translated in me have a terrible attitude towards others. Recognizing this made me ask, "How do I change my perspective?"

I believe the answer (for me at least) laid in how I communicated my dismay and perspective about God and my  Faith. You see I am convinced that our language significantly influences our actions; therefore, the solution resides in our theology. Theology is simply the words or conversations we have regarding God and the things of God. What we say when we are in pain or confused about our circumstances or things simply doesn’t make sense, really makes a difference. Please do not misunderstand what I am saying… no amount of positive thinking will fix mistakes. We need to get hands on to ratify our mistakes… But finding a loving God and wrestling with God about the injustices and honestly engaging God about our perspectives on the matters certainly will help us navigate turbulent times.

 

Here is what helped me make sense of things when God and or Gods people didn’t make sense to me:

- Engage in Reflective Prayer: Take time to pray not only for comfort but also for understanding. Ask God to reveal His nature to you.

 - Explore Scripture: Dive into biblical texts that emphasize God's love, mercy, and compassion. Let these truths reshape your understanding.

 - Surround Yourself with Community: Engage with a community that reflects God's love through their actions and support. Sharing experiences can provide new insights into your own struggles.

 - Practice Gratitude: Focus on what you are thankful for each day. Gratitude shifts your perspective from what you lack to what you have been given.

 - Seek Professional Help: Sometimes it’s beneficial to talk to someone trained to help navigate grief or spiritual struggles.

By intentionally engaging with God and shifting our language around Him—from one of judgment to one of love and seeking understanding—we can transform not only our perspectives but also how we interact with others (especially those who are hurting). Ultimately, this journey toward understanding can lead us away from pain and toward healing—both for ourselves and those around us.

In conclusion, let us remember that our perceptions shape our reality. By fostering a theology rooted in love and compassion, we can break the cycle of hurt and create ripples of positive change in ourselves and the world around us. Seek the God of love, and you will find Him.