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What are the different names of God, and what do they mean?

Brief Answer

The different names of God found in the Bible reveal various aspects of His character and nature. These names provide deeper insights into who God is, how He relates to His people, and His attributes. Each name reflects a unique characteristic of God, such as His power, provision, holiness, or presence.

Understanding the Different Names of God from a Biblical Perspective

The Bible presents God using various names, each with specific meanings that reflect His attributes and His relationship with His people. The names of God are not merely titles; they convey significant theological truths about His nature. The use of these different names throughout Scripture helps us understand how God interacts with His creation and His covenant people.

Key Names of God in the Bible

  1. Yahweh (Jehovah)“The LORD
    • Meaning: Yahweh is the most sacred name of God, often translated as “LORD” in English Bibles. It is derived from the Hebrew verb “to be” and signifies God’s eternal, self-existent nature. When God revealed Himself to Moses in the burning bush, He said, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14), highlighting His unchanging, sovereign nature.
    • Significance: This name emphasizes God’s covenant relationship with Israel and His faithfulness. It is often combined with other descriptors to express various aspects of God’s character.
  2. Elohim“God”
    • Meaning: Elohim is a general term for God in the Old Testament, used to denote His power and majesty. It is a plural form, suggesting the fullness of God’s nature and possibly hinting at the Trinity.
    • Significance: Elohim is used in Genesis 1:1, emphasizing God’s role as the Creator of the heavens and the earth, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation.
  3. Adonai“Lord” or “Master”
    • Meaning: Adonai means “Lord” or “Master” and expresses God’s authority and lordship over all. It is used in contexts where God’s sovereignty and ownership are emphasized.
    • Significance: The name reminds believers of their duty to submit to God’s authority and obey His commands.
  4. El Shaddai“God Almighty”
    • Meaning: El Shaddai is often translated as “God Almighty” and signifies God’s supreme power and might. It portrays Him as the all-sufficient one who can provide, protect, and bless.
    • Significance: This name is first used in Genesis 17:1, when God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, demonstrating His ability to fulfill His promises.
  5. Jehovah Jireh“The LORD Will Provide”
    • Meaning: Jehovah Jireh means “The LORD Will Provide” and is found in the story of Abraham’s offering of Isaac (Genesis 22:14). God provided a ram as a substitute for Isaac, symbolizing His provision for our needs.
    • Significance: This name reflects God’s faithfulness to meet the needs of His people and serves as a reminder that He is our provider.
  6. Jehovah Rapha“The LORD Who Heals”
    • Meaning: Jehovah Rapha means “The LORD Who Heals” and is found in Exodus 15:26, where God promises Israel that He will heal their diseases if they follow His commands.
    • Significance: This name shows that God is not only concerned with spiritual healing but also with physical and emotional restoration.
  7. Jehovah Nissi“The LORD Is My Banner”
    • Meaning: Jehovah Nissi means “The LORD Is My Banner” and was declared by Moses after Israel‘s victory over the Amalekites (Exodus 17:15). It symbolizes God’s protection and the victory He grants His people.
    • Significance: This name encourages believers to rely on God for strength and to trust Him as the one who fights for them.
  8. Jehovah Shalom“The LORD Is Peace”
    • Meaning: Jehovah Shalom means “The LORD Is Peace” and is used by Gideon when God called him to deliver Israel from Midian (Judges 6:24).
    • Significance: It reflects God’s presence as the source of peace, not only in the absence of conflict but also in the wholeness and well-being He provides.
  9. Jehovah Sabaoth“The LORD of Hosts”
    • Meaning: Jehovah Sabaoth, or “The LORD of Hosts,” refers to God as the commander of angelic armies, emphasizing His power and authority over all spiritual and earthly forces.
    • Significance: This name reassures believers of God’s control over all powers and circumstances, providing comfort in times of spiritual warfare.
  10. El Roi“The God Who Sees”
    • Meaning: El Roi means “The God Who Sees,” a name given by Hagar when God saw her distress in the wilderness (Genesis 16:13).
    • Significance: It assures believers that God is aware of their struggles and cares for them deeply, seeing every situation they face.

Exhaustive Answer for Names of God (List Form)

God The Father

Abba, FatherMark 14:36; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6

Ancient of DaysDaniel 7:9, Daniel 7:13, Daniel 7:22

CreatorIsaiah 27:11; Isaiah 40:28

Creator of IsraelIsaiah 43:15

FatherLuke 11:2

Father-CreatorMalachi 2:10

Father of Compassion2 Corinthians 1:3

Father of Glory Ephesians 1:17

Father of Lights James 1:17

Father of Our SpiritsHebrews 12:9

GodGenesis 1:1-2:3 (“Elohim”)

God AlmightyGenesis 17:1-2; Genesis 48:3-4; Genesis 49:25; Psalms 91:1 (NIV: “God, Almighty”)

God Most HighGenesis 14:18-22; Psalms 78:56; Daniel 4:25; Numbers 24:16; Acts 7:48

God of Abraham, Isaac, and JacobExodus 3:6, Exodus 3:16

God of Heaven and EarthEzra 1:2; Ezra 5:11; Nehemiah 1:4; Revelation 11:13

God of HopeRomans 15:13

God of IsraelGenesis 33:20

God of JusticeMalachi 2:17

God of PeaceHebrews 13:20

God Our FatherEphesians 1:2

God the Father2 Timothy 1:2; 2 Peter 1:17

Holy FatherJohn 17:11

Holy OneIsaiah 43:15; Habakkuk 3:3

JealousExodus 20:5; Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24

Judge of the EarthGenesis 18:25; Psalms 94:2

King – Psalms 10:16; Psalms 74:12; Psalms 84:3; Isaiah 43:15

King of Glory – Psalms 24:7-10

King of HeavenDaniel 4:37

King of the AgesRevelation 15:3

King of the NationsJeremiah 10:6-7

Living GodDaniel 6:20, Daniel 6:26; Matthew 16:16; Romans 9:26

Lord of All the EarthJoshua 3:11, Joshua 3:13; Micah 4:13; Zechariah 6:5

Lord of LordsDeuteronomy 10:17

Lord Our RighteousnessJeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 33:16

Lord, the God of the HebrewsExodus 7:16

Our FatherMatthew 6:9

RedeemerJob 19:25; Isaiah 47:4

Righteous FatherJohn 17:25

RockDeuteronomy 32:4, Deuteronomy 32:15; Psalms 18:2

Rock of IsraelGenesis 49:24

SaviorHosea 13:4

The Faithful GodDeuteronomy 7:9; Deuteronomy 32:4

The Father1 John 1:2; 1 John 3:1; 1 John 4:14

The First and the LastIsaiah 48:12

The God of All Comfort2 Corinthians 1:3

The God of DanielDaniel 6:26

The God of GodsDeuteronomy 10:17

The God of the Armies of Israel1 Samuel 17:45

The God Who SeesGenesis 16:13

The Great and Awesome GodNehemiah 1:5

The Lord Is My BannerExodus 17:15

The Lord Is PeaceJudges 6:24

The Lord Is ThereEzekiel 48:35

The Lord My GodJoshua 14:8; Ezra 7:28; Psalms 7:1; Psalms 18:28; Psalms 30:2; Zechariah 14:5

The Lord My ShepherdGenesis 48:15; Genesis 49:24; Psalms 23

The Lord of Hosts 1 Samuel 1:3; 1 Samuel 4:4; 1 Samuel 17:45; Isaiah 6:3; Isaiah 47:4; Haggai 2:4, Haggai 2:6

The Lord Our GodDeuteronomy 1:6, Deuteronomy 1:19, Deuteronomy 1:20; Deuteronomy 2:29, Deuteronomy 2:33; Deuteronomy 3:3; Deuteronomy 4:7; Deuteronomy 6:4

The Lord Our Maker – Psalms 95:6

The Lord Who HealsExodus 15:26

The Lord Who Sanctifies Exodus 31:13; Leviticus 20:7-8; Leviticus 21:8, Leviticus 21:15, Leviticus 21:23

The Lord Will ProvideGenesis 22:14

The Mighty One of JacobGenesis 49:24

YahwehGenesis 4:26; Exodus 6:2-3; Numbers 14:18; Psalms 106:25. Also: LORD, Jehovah

Your FatherMatthew 5:16; John 20:17

God The Son

Advocate (KJV)1 John 2:1-2

Alpha and OmegaRevelation 1:8; Revelation 22:13

Apostle and High PriestHebrews 3:1

Author and PerfecterHebrews 12:2

Author of SalvationHebrews 2:10

Blessed and Only Ruler1 Timothy 6:15

Branch From JesseIsaiah 11:1

Bread of GodJohn 6:33

Bread of LifeJohn 6:35

BridegroomMatthew 25:1-10; Mark 2:19-20; John 3:29

Chosen of GodLuke 23:35; 1 Peter 2:4

Chosen OneIsaiah 42:1; Luke 23:35

Christ Jesus Our Lord2 Timothy 1:2

Christ of GodLuke 9:20; Luke 23:35

Christ the LordLuke 2:11

Christ, the Power of God and the Wisdom of God1 Corinthians 1:24

Consolation of IsraelLuke 2:25

CornerstoneIsaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 2:6

DelivererRomans 11:26

Desired of All the NationsHaggai 2:7

Everlasting FatherIsaiah 9:6

Faithful and TrueRevelation 19:11

Faithful and True WitnessRevelation 3:14

First BornHebrews 1:6

First Born From the DeadColossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5

Firstborn Among Many BrothersRomans 8:29

Firstborn Over All CreationColossians 1:15

ForerunnerHebrews 6:20

Foundation1 Corinthians 3:11

FountainZechariah 13:1

FriendMatthew 11:19

GateJohn 10:7-9

Gift of GodJohn 4:10

Glory of IsraelLuke 2:32

Good ShepherdJohn 10:11, John 10:14

Head of the ChurchEphesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18-20

Heir of All ThingsHebrews 1:2

High PriestHebrews 3:1; Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 7:26-27

Holy OneActs 2:27

Holy One of GodMark 1:24; Luke 4:34; John 6:69

Hope of GloryColossians 1:27

Horn of SalvationLuke 1:69

I AmJohn 8:58

ImmanuelMatthew 1:23; Isaiah 7:14

JesusMatthew 1:21; Acts 9:5; Hebrews 2:9

Jesus ChristMatthew 1:1

Jesus of NazarethMark 1:24; John 18:5, John 18:7; John 19:19

JudgeActs 10:42

KingLuke 19:38

King of Kings1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16

LambRevelation 5:6

Lamb of GodJohn 1:36

Light of the GentilesLuke 2:32

Light of the WorldJohn 8:12; John 9:5

Lion of the Tribe of JudahRevelation 5:5

Living Stone1 Peter 2:4

LordMatthew 22:43-44; Mark 1:3; Luke 7:13; Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:11

Lord and Savior Jesus Christ2 Peter 1:11; 2 Peter 2:20; 2 Peter 3:18

Lord of Glory1 Corinthians 2:8

Lord of Lords1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16

Lord of the Dead and LivingRomans 14:9

Lord of the SabbathMatthew 12:8; Mark 2:28

MasterMatthew 23:8

Mediator1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 12:24

MessiahJohn 1:41; John 4:25

Mighty GodIsaiah 9:6

One and OnlyJohn 1:14, John 1:18; John 3:16

Our Holiness1 Corinthians 1:30

Our Passover1 Corinthians 5:7

Our Redemption1 Corinthians 1:30

Our RighteousnessJeremiah 23:6; 1 Corinthians 1:30

PhysicianLuke 4:23

PrinceActs 5:31

Prince of LifeActs 3:15

Prince of PeaceIsaiah 9:6

RabbiMark 10:51; John 1:38, John 1:49

RabboniJohn 20:16

Radiance of God’s GloryHebrews 1:3

RedeemerIsaiah 44:24; Galatians 4:5

Righteous BranchJeremiah 23:5

Righteous Judge2 Timothy 4:8

Righteous OneActs 7:52; 1 John 2:1

Righteous ServantIsaiah 53:11

Rising SunLuke 1:78

Rock1 Corinthians 10:4

Root and Offspring of DavidRevelation 22:16

Root of DavidRevelation 5:5

RulerMicah 5:2; Matthew 2:6

Ruler of God’s CreationRevelation 3:14

SaviorLuke 2:11; Acts 5:31; 1 Timothy 2:3; Titus 3:6

Second Man1 Corinthians 15:47

ServantIsaiah 52:13-15; Philippians 2:7

Shepherd and Overseer1 Peter 2:25

SonColossians 1:13; Hebrews 3:6

Son of AbrahamMatthew 1:1

Son of GodMatthew 8:29; Matthew 14:33; John 10:36

Son of ManMatthew 8:20; Mark 2:10; John 1:51; John 3:13

Son of the Blessed OneMark 14:61

Son of the Father2 John 3

Son of the Living GodMatthew 16:16

Son of the Most High GodMark 5:7; Luke 8:28

StoneMatthew 21:42; 1 Peter 2:8

Sure FoundationIsaiah 28:16

TeacherJohn 13:14

The AlmightyRevelation 1:8; Revelation 15:3

The AmenRevelation 3:14

The BeginningColossians 1:18

The Branch of the LordIsaiah 4:2

The ChristJohn 7:41; Acts 2:36

The Last Adam1 Corinthians 15:45

The LifeJohn 11:25; John 14:6

The Morning Star2 Peter 1:19; Revelation 22:16

The ProphetJohn 7:40

The ResurrectionJohn 11:25

The Son of GodMatthew 8:29; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:35; John 10:36; Acts 9:20

True God1 John 5:20

True LightJohn 1:9

True VineJohn 15:1

TruthJohn 14:6

WayJohn 14:6

Wisdom1 Corinthians 1:30

Wonderful CounselorIsaiah 9:6; Isaiah 28:29

WordJohn 1:1, John 1:14

Word of GodRevelation 19:13

God the Holy Spirit

Breath of the AlmightyJob 32:8; Job 33:4

DepositEphesians 1:13-14

Eternal SpiritHebrews 9:14

GodActs 5:3-4

God’s Seed1 John 3:9

Good SpiritNehemiah 9:20

HelperJohn 14:16, John 14:26; John 15:26; Romans 8:26

His Holy Spirit1 Thessalonians 4:8

His Spirit – Psalms 106:33; Ephesians 3:16; 1 John 4:13

Holy SpiritMatthew 1:18; Mark 12:36; John 1:33; Acts 4:8; Romans 15:16

Holy Spirit of GodEphesians 4:30

Living WaterJohn 7:38-39

Lord2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Power of the Most HighLuke 1:35

Promise of the FatherActs 1:4; Acts 2:33

SealEphesians 4:30

Seven SpiritsRevelation 1:4-5; Revelation 4:5; Revelation 5:6

SpiritNumbers 11:17, Numbers 11:25, Numbers 11:26

Spirit He Gave Us1 John 3:24

Spirit of ChristRomans 8:9; 1 Peter 1:11

Spirit of CounselIsaiah 11:2

Spirit of Faith1 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Corinthians 4:13

Spirit of FireIsaiah 4:4

Spirit of Glory1 Peter 4:14

Spirit of GodGenesis 1:2; Job 33:4; Matthew 3:16; Matthew 12:28

Spirit of Grace and SupplicationZechariah 12:10

Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus From the DeadRomans 8:11

Spirit of His SonGalatians 4:6

Spirit of HolinessRomans 1:4

Spirit of JesusActs 16:7

Spirit of Jesus ChristPhilippians 1:19

Spirit of JudgmentIsaiah 4:4

Spirit of KnowledgeIsaiah 11:2

Spirit of LifeRomans 8:2

Spirit of Our God1 Corinthians 6:11

Spirit of PowerIsaiah 11:2

Spirit of PromiseEphesians 1:13

Spirit of SonshipRomans 8:15

Spirit of the Fear of the LordIsaiah 11:2

Spirit of the Living God2 Corinthians 3:3

Spirit of the LordIsaiah 11:2; Luke 4:18; Acts 8:39; 2 Corinthians 3:17

Spirit of the Lord GodIsaiah 61:1

Spirit of TruthJohn 14:17; John 15:26; John 16:13

Spirit of UnderstandingIsaiah 11:2

Spirit of WisdomIsaiah 11:2

Spirit of Wisdom and RevelationEphesians 1:17

Spirit of Your FatherMatthew 10:20

Spirit Who Intercedes for UsRomans 8:26-27

Spirit Who Is From God1 Corinthians 2:12

Spirit Who Searches All Things1 Corinthians 2:10

Your Holy Spirit – Psalms 51:11

God The Holy Spirit

Breath of the AlmightyJob 32:8; Job 33:4

DepositEphesians 1:13-14

Eternal SpiritHebrews 9:14

GodActs 5:3-4

God’s Seed1 John 3:9

Good SpiritNehemiah 9:20

HelperJohn 14:16, John 14:26; John 15:26; Romans 8:26

His Holy Spirit1 Thessalonians 4:8

His Spirit – Psalms 106:33; Ephesians 3:16; 1 John 4:13

Holy SpiritMatthew 1:18; Mark 12:36; John 1:33; Acts 4:8; Romans 15:16

Holy Spirit of GodEphesians 4:30

Living WaterJohn 7:38-39

Lord2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Power of the Most HighLuke 1:35

Promise of the FatherActs 1:4; Acts 2:33

SealEphesians 4:30

Seven SpiritsRevelation 1:4-5; Revelation 4:5; Revelation 5:6

SpiritNumbers 11:17, Numbers 11:25, Numbers 11:26

Spirit He Gave Us1 John 3:24

Spirit of ChristRomans 8:9; 1 Peter 1:11

Spirit of CounselIsaiah 11:2

Spirit of Faith1 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Corinthians 4:13

Spirit of FireIsaiah 4:4

Spirit of Glory1 Peter 4:14

Spirit of GodGenesis 1:2; Job 33:4; Matthew 3:16; Matthew 12:28

Spirit of Grace and SupplicationZechariah 12:10

Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus From the DeadRomans 8:11

Spirit of His SonGalatians 4:6

Spirit of HolinessRomans 1:4

Spirit of JesusActs 16:7

Spirit of Jesus ChristPhilippians 1:19

Spirit of JudgmentIsaiah 4:4

Spirit of KnowledgeIsaiah 11:2

Spirit of LifeRomans 8:2

Spirit of Our God1 Corinthians 6:11

Spirit of PowerIsaiah 11:2

Spirit of PromiseEphesians 1:13

Spirit of SonshipRomans 8:15

Spirit of the Fear of the LordIsaiah 11:2

Spirit of the Living God2 Corinthians 3:3

Spirit of the LordIsaiah 11:2; Luke 4:18; Acts 8:39; 2 Corinthians 3:17

Spirit of the Lord GodIsaiah 61:1

Spirit of TruthJohn 14:17; John 15:26; John 16:13

Spirit of UnderstandingIsaiah 11:2

Spirit of WisdomIsaiah 11:2

Spirit of Wisdom and RevelationEphesians 1:17

Spirit of Your FatherMatthew 10:20

Spirit Who Intercedes for UsRomans 8:26-27

Spirit Who Is From God1 Corinthians 2:12

Spirit Who Searches All Things1 Corinthians 2:10

Your Holy Spirit – Psalms 51:11

Historical Context

The names of God were revealed progressively throughout the history of Israel. Each name was often given in response to a specific event or encounter with God, showing different aspects of His character:

  • The Patriarchs: God revealed Himself to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob using names like El Shaddai, emphasizing His power and ability to fulfill His covenant promises.
  • The Exodus: During the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, God used the name Yahweh to signify His faithfulness and sovereignty over all nations.
  • The Judges and Kings: Names like Jehovah Nissi and Jehovah Sabaoth were used during times of battle, demonstrating God’s role as the protector and defender of His people.

As God interacted with His people, His names revealed His attributes in ways that matched the needs and circumstances of the time.

Theological Depth and Insight

Theologically, the names of God help us understand:

  • God’s character: Each name reflects a different attribute, such as His holiness, power, mercy, and presence. Knowing these names deepens our understanding of who God is.
  • God’s covenant relationship: Names like Yahweh and Jehovah Jireh reveal God’s commitment to His people, showcasing His faithfulness to fulfill His promises.
  • God’s self-revelation: The way God reveals His names shows that He is personal and relational, desiring to be known by His people.

The names of God are more than titles; they represent His essence. By understanding these names, believers can grow in their knowledge of God and deepen their relationship with Him.

Broader Biblical Themes

Several broader biblical themes emerge from the study of God’s names:

  • God’s faithfulness: Names like Jehovah Jireh and Jehovah Rapha highlight God’s continual provision and care for His people throughout the Scriptures.
  • God’s holiness and power: Names such as Yahweh and El Shaddai demonstrate God’s majesty and the reverence He deserves.
  • God’s intimacy with His people: The name El Roi, “The God Who Sees,” shows that God is not distant but personally involved in the lives of His people.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit helps believers understand the significance of God’s names:

  • Revealing God’s nature: The Spirit enlightens our minds to grasp the fullness of God’s character as revealed through His names.
  • Empowering prayer: Knowing the names of God enriches our prayer life, as we can call upon Him based on His specific attributes and promises.
  • Providing comfort and assurance: The Holy Spirit uses God’s names to remind us of His unchanging nature and His faithful presence in every situation.

Relevance for Today’s Christian

For modern believers, the names of God offer comfort, guidance, and a deeper understanding of their relationship with Him:

  • Knowing God intimately: Learning about the names of God helps Christians grow in their relationship with Him, recognizing how His attributes meet their daily needs.
  • Strengthening faith: Reflecting on God’s names, such as Jehovah Nissi (“The LORD Is My Banner”), can encourage believers to trust in God’s strength during spiritual battles.
  • Finding peace: Names like Jehovah Shalom remind Christians that God is the source of true peace, even in the midst of life’s chaos.

Practical Implications

  • Pray using God’s names: Incorporate the names of God into your prayers, addressing Him as Jehovah Jireh when seeking provision or Jehovah Rapha when praying for healing.
  • Meditate on the attributes of God: Reflect on what each name reveals about God’s character and how it applies to your life.
  • Trust in God’s faithfulness: When facing difficulties, recall the names of God that reflect His promises, such as Jehovah Sabaoth, the LORD of Hosts, who fights on your behalf.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

The names of God find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies every aspect of God’s character:

  • Jesus as Jehovah Jireh: He is the ultimate provision, providing salvation through His sacrificial death on the cross (John 1:29).
  • Jesus as Jehovah Rapha: He is the healer, restoring both physical and spiritual brokenness (Matthew 9:35).
  • Jesus as Immanuel (“God with us”): This name emphasizes that in Christ, God came to dwell among us, revealing His love and grace in a personal way (Matthew 1:23).

Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection demonstrate the truths reflected in the names of God, showing that He is the fulfillment of every promise and the embodiment of God’s attributes.

Bible Characters and Stories

  • Moses: When God revealed His name “I AM WHO I AM” to Moses at the burning bush, it marked a turning point in Israel‘s history, emphasizing God’s eternal and self-sufficient nature (Exodus 3:14).
  • Hagar: After encountering God in the wilderness, Hagar called Him “El Roi,” the God who sees her distress, showing that God is personally aware of our needs (Genesis 16:13).
  • Gideon: When Gideon built an altar and called it “The LORD Is Peace” (Jehovah Shalom), he recognized that God’s presence brings calm in the midst of turmoil (Judges 6:24).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

  1. Which name of God resonates most with your current situation, and why?
  2. How does understanding the different names of God enhance your worship and prayer life?
  3. In what ways can the names of God bring you comfort during difficult times?
  4. How do the names of God deepen your understanding of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished?

The different names of God in the Bible reveal His multifaceted character, inviting believers to know Him more intimately. As we explore these names, we encounter a God who is not only powerful and majestic but also personal and caring. He meets us in our needs, fights for us in our battles, and provides for us in our moments of weakness. By embracing the fullness of God’s names, we grow in our relationship with Him and experience His love in new and profound ways.

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