If you’ve ever asked, “what are communicable attributes of god,?” a simple starting point is this: God’s attributes are the qualities that describe who he is and how he acts. Some belong only to him (like being all-powerful), but others are communicable, meaning he shares them with his heavenly spirit family and his human family so they can reflect him. God reveals his character as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6–7). He also made humans in his image to mirror his character on earth (Genesis 1:26). These shared qualities, communicable attributes of god, are how he equips us and his spirit beings to serve his purposes.
The Bible talks about one family in heaven and on earth, named by the Father (Ephesians 3:14–15). That includes humans and the “innumerable angels” who surround his throne (Hebrews 12:22). Both families were made to know God and join his work. When people search “what are attributes of god” they often miss how God shares them with angels and humans for his mission. Understanding this shared calling helps us see how we fit into God’s plan.
Holiness is God’s blazing purity and moral beauty. Angels cry, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord” (Isaiah 6:3), and Jesus speaks of “the holy angels” who belong to him (Mark 8:38). God calls people into that same holiness in everyday life: “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15–16). Holiness isn’t cold perfection; it’s being set apart for God so our lives point to his worth.
Love is the heartbeat of God’s character: “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Jesus commands his followers, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). Even angels share this value; they rejoice with love-driven joy when one sinner repents (Luke 15:10). When we love, we reflect the God who poured his love into us first.
Goodness and generosity flow from God to his world: “The Lord is good to all” (Psalm 145:9). He created us “for good works” he prepared in advance (Ephesians 2:10). Angels also serve God’s goodness by helping his people as “ministering spirits” (Hebrews 1:14). When we do good, we participate in the steady stream of God’s kindness.
Mercy and compassion are central attributes of god that he shares. God reveals himself as “merciful and gracious” (Exodus 34:6). Jesus tells us to copy that mercy: “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Angels model compassionate service too; they ministered to Jesus in his weakness (Matthew 4:11). Mercy equips both heaven and earth to heal what sin has broken.
Justice and righteousness form the foundation of God’s throne (Psalm 89:14). We are called to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Angels also participate in God’s just rule; Jesus said the Son of Man will send his angels to remove evil from his kingdom (Matthew 13:41). When we act justly, we align with the moral order of God’s kingdom.
Truthfulness matters because God “never lies” (Titus 1:2). He commands his people, “Put away falsehood… speak the truth” (Ephesians 4:25). Angels serve as faithful messengers of God’s true word; Gabriel said, “I stand in the presence of God… and I was sent to speak to you” (Luke 1:19). Speaking truth is a communicable attribute that anchors trust and clarity in God’s family.
Faithfulness is God’s steady loyalty to his promises: “Great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22–23). He invites us to bind faithfulness to our lives so we “find favor and good success” (Proverbs 3:3–4). Scripture even speaks of “elect angels” who stand loyal in God’s presence (1 Timothy 5:21). When we keep our word, we mirror the God who always keeps his.
Wisdom is how God orders life well, and he loves to share it. “The Lord gives wisdom” (Proverbs 2:6), and he promises to give it generously to those who ask (James 1:5). Angels serve God’s wise plans, giving insight at key moments—Gabriel helped Daniel “understand” a vision (Daniel 9:22), and angels long to look into the mysteries of salvation (1 Peter 1:12). If you’re wondering “what are attributes of god” that shape decisions, start with wisdom.
Patience reflects God’s long-suffering heart: “The Lord is… patient, not wishing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9). He calls us to put on “compassionate hearts… patience” and to bear with one another (Colossians 3:12–13). Even angels wait on God’s timing; four angels hold back the winds of judgment until God gives the word (Revelation 7:1). Patience keeps us moving at God’s pace, not our own.
Grace and empowerment show that God not only commands—he supplies what he commands. Jesus told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Jesus also promised his followers power through the Holy Spirit to be witnesses (Acts 1:8). Angels “mighty in strength” carry out God’s word (Psalm 103:20), a picture of how grace energizes service.
Peace flows from God’s presence and rule. Paul speaks of “the God of peace” being with us as we practice what we’ve learned (Philippians 4:9). Jesus blesses peacemakers as God’s children (Matthew 5:9). At Jesus’ birth, angels proclaimed “on earth peace” to those favored by God (Luke 2:14). Making peace is a shared family trait of heaven and earth.
Joy and hope are not shallow emotions; they are rooted in who God is. He is “the God of hope,” filling us “with all joy and peace in believing” (Romans 15:13). “The joy of the Lord is your strength” in hard times (Nehemiah 8:10). Angels erupted with joy when God laid the earth’s foundations (Job 38:7). Joy propels service with a glad heart, not grim duty.
Humility and servanthood mark God’s kingdom. Jesus—God the Son—“emptied himself” and took the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5–7), and he came “not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45). Angels are called “ministering spirits” because service defines their role (Hebrews 1:14). When we stoop to serve, we rise to resemble our King.
Relationality and hospitality matter because God calls us into fellowship with his Son (1 Corinthians 1:9). Jesus says the world will know we’re his by our love for one another (John 13:34–35). Scripture even hints that hospitality touches the unseen realm: “Some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2). Relationships are the arena where communicable attributes of god show up daily.
Moral agency and obedience reflect God’s will for responsible image-bearers. God sets before us life and death and calls us to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19). Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Angels model instant obedience: they are “mighty ones who do his word” (Psalm 103:20). Choosing obedience is choosing to reflect God’s character in action.
Creativity, beauty, and work mirror the Creator. “In the beginning, God created” (Genesis 1:1), and he gifts people with skill and artistry like Bezalel, filled with the Spirit for craftsmanship (Exodus 31:3–5). Angels spread the message that calls creation to worship its Maker (Revelation 14:6–7). Our creative work becomes worship when it serves God’s good purposes.
How do we grow in these attributes of god? By beholding the Lord and being transformed “from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Holy Spirit produces his fruit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control—in us (Galatians 5:22–23). As we keep in step with the Spirit, our lives begin to look like the One we follow.
In the end, the best answer to “what are attributes of god” is a Person—Jesus, “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). God is forming a people who wear his likeness in “true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24), alongside his holy angels, to serve him forever. Scripture pictures that future: “His servants will worship him… and they will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:3–5). Lean in, dig deeper, and let the communicable attributes of God shape your life, your relationships, and your service in God’s big family in heaven and on earth.