By Patricia Erlandsen

God’s character is immutable.
The Father of the heavenly lights does not change like shifting shadows.

People who never truly experience the grace and faithfulness of God will undoubtedly misinterpret God’s character. One example of this can be seen where God’s ways and character are interpreted through cultural lenses; where this occurs gender relationships will undoubtedly be reflected in a distorted way.

Let God be true and every person a liar.

Some become confused because they have been taught by seemingly godly and intelligent people that women are not equal with men; that men are “over” women, and that women lack spiritual authority and need a man to “cover” them to “keep them safe,” that they are commanded by God to love and obey their husbands. These people read the Scriptures and it seems to be so. However, it makes God appear to be a sexist and unfair.

Therefore, all teachings we receive can and should be tested against what the Scriptures say about God. When we read the Gospels we see that Jesus showed us what God is like. There we will discover that the One True and Living God is neither unjust nor sexist; God hates unequal balances and weights. The Law of the Lord is pure; our God is holy; therefore, anyone who taints the Word of God by interpreting it in a sexist way has a distorted view of God, interpreting God through their cultural lenses: in their own image and likeness.

Where love abounds, grace does much more abound.

As you search, the day will come when you will receive greater understanding and when greater clarity is revealed to you of God’s just balances and weights, that we are all one in Christ. Become an Ambassador for Christ, representing God in a true light. Go and tell others who have also suffered from God’s character being maligned. Share what you know about the good news of God’s equality and God will give the increase. Always trust in the goodness and in the love of God.

God’s desire is that the people of God live in peace.