Attributes of God – The God of All
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that God is the God of everyone without exception, for He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Caretaker of all creation. God belongs to no single group but is the Lord of heaven, earth, and all that is in them — angels, humans, animals, plants, and even the smallest creatures.
God of all creation:
His Holiness emphasizes that God provides for every living being — plants, bees, birds, and even worms — showing His infinite love and wisdom in the care of the entire universe.
God of all nations:
Christ came for the salvation of all humanity, not for the Jews alone. Therefore, He commanded His disciples to “preach the Gospel to every creature,” for God “wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” He is the God of the strong and the weak, the wise and the simple, the rich and the poor, the sick and the healthy.
God of saints and sinners:
God’s mercy reaches everyone; He is the God of saints who walk in grace and also the God of sinners whom He rescues and draws to Himself, as with Mary of Egypt, Saul of Tarsus, Zacchaeus, and Matthew the tax collector. His love does not discriminate but embraces all.
God of married and virgins:
God is the God of every state of life — of Moses the married man and of Elijah the virgin. He honors both the fruitful and the barren, granting heavenly dignity to each. From Leah, the unloved, came the lineage of Christ, and from Rachel, the beloved, came the righteous Joseph. God works through everyone according to His good purposes.
God of workers and contemplatives:
His Holiness teaches that God is not only the God of monks and hermits but also of those who work in the world, like Joseph the Righteous and Ibrahim El-Gohary. God sanctifies every faithful and loving act, whether in service or in daily life.
Warning against pride:
Pope Shenouda warns that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. When God’s grace seems distant, it may be due to pride in the heart. Humility keeps God close and fills life with His blessing.
Spiritual conclusion:
God is the God of all, calling everyone to repentance and salvation, opening His arms to all who seek Him with humility and faith. Those who live in humility and mercy find in Him their refuge and strength at all times.
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