I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. - Exodus 33:19
In this verse, God declares to Moses a theological truth that permeates all of Scripture. It is the foundational doctrine of God's sovereign choice.
Our God, the one true God, is volitional. He has a will and He exercises it in accordance with His holy character and attributes. Since God may be known by His actions, we see that He is righteous, holy, and transcendent. We also may understand Him to be loving, gracious, and merciful.
With Holy Spirit-guided understanding, we may also discern how God might act in a particular set of circumstances or situation, yet we must never expect Him to act in a manner that is inconsistent with His holiness. Whatever God's decision or action, it is always right, even when it is difficult to understand.
The acceptance and knowledge that the Lord is never wrong is also grace.
What we count the ills of life are often blessings in disguise, resulting in good to us in the end. Though for the present not joyous but grievous, yet, if received in a right spirit, they work out fruits of righteousness for us at last. - Matthew Henry
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