June 26 – Overcoming False Images of God
The way you see God shapes the way you see everything. A judgmental God creates judgmental people; a loving God creates lovers. Richard Rohr
Gregg’s Reflection
When I was younger in faith, my mental picture of God was shaped as much by cultural expectations and childhood impressions as by Scripture. Somewhere along the way, God became the stern taskmaster—always watching for mistakes, never quite satisfied. It wasn’t that I heard this directly from the pulpit; it was a subtle inheritance from years of absorbing other people’s fears about God.
It took time, prayer, and the influence of wise mentors for that image to begin to crumble. I started to encounter a God who was not primarily interested in catching me in my failures, but in drawing me into deeper love and trust. I realized that our image of God shapes our whole spiritual life—if we see God as punitive, we hide. If we see God as love, we come running home.
Letting go of false images of God is not a one-time event. Old fears still creep in, but now I recognize them for what they are: shadows, not truth. The God I know in Christ is faithful, forgiving, and endlessly patient—a God who runs to meet prodigals, not one who waits with arms crossed in judgment.
Scripture
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Psalm 103:8
Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.
John 14:9
Ancient Quotes
God’s nature is always to show mercy.
Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love, Ch. 49
The glory of God is the human being fully alive.
Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, Book IV
Modern Quotes
The way you see God shapes the way you see everything. A judgmental God creates judgmental people; a loving God creates lovers.
Richard Rohr, The Universal Christ, p. 58
We move toward what we desire, and we become like what we love. If we fear God as an enemy, we become small and defensive. If we love God as friend, we become expansive and generous.
James Bryan Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, p. 34
Journaling Prompts
- How would you describe the image of God you grew up with?
- What life experiences have challenged or changed that image?
- How does your current understanding of God affect how you approach prayer?
- What step could you take today to deepen your trust in God’s goodness?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 26 Reflection: Loving/Being Loved