Club Rewind: Knowing God’s Character

All summer long, both campers and staff get to be reminded of powerful truths throughout the week during Club—one of the best parts of camp life! After a time of worship with their cabins, everyone gathers to hear a message packed with God’s Word and plenty of stories that make you laugh and think at the same time. Today we’re sharing a glimpse from City Team Edge, where recent Forge graduate and program director David “Hoops” Brown brought a message on the character of God.

This past summer, our Bible study theme during our week at camp was “Made.” But before we can think about what God made, we need to pause and remember who the Maker is. We must remind ourselves that the One doing the making is God Himself, and His character changes everything about how we see ourselves and the world around us. So let’s explore together some of the characteristics we know to be true about God.

God Is Our Creator

In the very beginning, Scripture tells us that God created the heavens and the earth. He spoke, and light came. He spoke, and oceans formed. He spoke, and every creature came to life. But then, something different happened.

Genesis 1:26-27 says:

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…’ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

And in verse 31, God steps back and looks at it all—the sky, the seas, the stars, and then us—and He says, “It was very good.”

That means when God made you, He didn’t mess up. He didn’t make a mistake. The world may certainly try to tell you otherwise through telling you that you aren’t enough, that you should be different, or that how you were made isn’t good. But God says, “You are very good.”

And because we are made in His image, we get to reflect parts of His character like kindness, love, and creativity. We can mirror the goodness of the God who made us.

God Is Merciful and Gracious

We also see God’s heart in Exodus 34:6–7, where He reveals His own character:

“The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…”

Let’s break that down for a minute:

• Merciful: Mercy is when we don’t get the punishment we deserve. I remember when I was in 4th grade, I stole candy from my teacher. She could have called my mom, but she didn’t. That was mercy.
• Gracious: Grace is when we do get something we don’t deserve. Imagine you’re playing a big game of gaga ball, you get out, and someone gives you a second chance. That’s grace.

God gives us mercy and grace every single day. Even when we mess up, He forgives us, because that’s who He is.

God Is Slow to Anger and Full of Love

Unlike us, God doesn’t fly off the handle. He’s not quick-tempered or harsh. He’s patient with us, even when we stumble again and again. His love isn’t conditional. It doesn’t depend on whether you prayed today, read your Bible, or did all the right things. His love is steadfast, overflowing, and unshakable.

That’s good news for us, because we all fall short. We all sin. Sometimes it’s iniquity (when we plan ahead to disobey), sometimes it’s a transgression (acting in the moment even when we know better), and sometimes it’s just plain sin (failing to live for God’s glory). But no matter the kind, God forgives. Every time.

God’s Character Is Our Foundation

When we forget who we are, we can remember who God is:

• He is merciful and gracious.
• He is slow to anger.
• He abounds in steadfast love and faithfulness.
• He forgives.
• He never gives up on us.

This is the God who made the mountains and oceans, who created you and me, and who holds all things together!

Now that we’ve gone over what it means to be “made,” let’s not forget the heart of the One who made us. He is a God of love, mercy, and forgiveness, and He delights in us as His creation!

Reflection Questions:

1. What is one characteristic of God that stands out to you most today?
2. How does knowing God made you in His image change the way you see yourself?
3. Which part of God’s character do you want to reflect more in your own life?