What does God desire?

I. The Foundation of God’s Desire

God, as revealed in Scripture and attested by creation itself, is eternal and all-powerful (Genesis 1:1). He is personal, loving, and purposeful. The consistent testimony of the Bible is that God’s desires are rooted in His nature—He is holy (Isaiah 6:3), He is love (1 John 4:8), and He seeks to draw people into fellowship with Himself for their good and His glory.

From the very first pages of Genesis, God’s creative work showcases intention and design (Genesis 1:27). Archaeological discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm that the biblical text, particularly in Genesis, has been carefully preserved over millennia. These well-preserved manuscripts reinforce the historical reliability of Scripture’s claim: God is the Lover and Creator of humankind, and He has specific desires for human flourishing.

II. God’s Desire for Fellowship and Relationship

From the beginning, humanity was created to know God. Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” This unique act of creation indicates that people are made for communion with the Divine.

1. A Personal Relationship

God expresses His desire for an ongoing relationship throughout Scripture. In Hosea 6:6, we read, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” God’s heart yearns for people to know Him personally, not merely perform religious rituals.

2. Reconciliation Through Christ

Humanity severed its relationship with God through sin, but God desires restoration through the atoning work of Jesus (Romans 5:10). In Christ, “God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting men’s trespasses against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19). Ultimately, fellowship with God is fully realized by faith in Jesus, whose resurrection provides salvation and victory over sin (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

III. God’s Desire for Holiness and Obedience

Connected with fellowship is the call to a life that reflects His holiness. Holiness means to be set apart, aligned with God’s moral goodness rather than living according to the corruptness of this world.

1. A Call to Be Set Apart

1 Peter 1:15–16 explains, “Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” This desire springs from God’s own character. He is completely without sin, and He longs for humanity to reflect His righteousness.

2. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit

Far from being a burden, God’s commands are made attainable through the Holy Spirit’s work (Galatians 5:22–23). Holiness manifests through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—all fruit which the Holy Spirit produces in those who believe in Christ.

3. A Journey of Obedience

Throughout Scripture—Abraham’s obedience (Genesis 22:1–19) or Israel’s journey through the wilderness (Exodus 16–Deuteronomy)—God shapes His people to walk in faith. Obedience is not dry submission; it is the pathway to abundant life (John 10:10).

IV. God’s Desire for All People to Find Salvation

God’s heart for humanity encompasses every nation and people group. This central truth echoes from Genesis to Revelation: God desires to save and not to condemn (Ezekiel 33:11).

1. God’s Will for All to Be Saved

1 Timothy 2:4 teaches that God “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” Likewise, 2 Peter 3:9 affirms, “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” These verses underscore God’s passionate longing to redeem individuals from the consequences of sin.

2. Christ, the Only Way

Jesus Himself declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). The early church, confirmed by extensive manuscript evidence (including codices such as Sinaiticus and Vaticanus), upheld that salvation hinges on faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection (Acts 4:12). God’s desire for salvation stands unaltered and universal.

3. Eternal Life Through the Resurrection

At the core of God’s salvation plan is Christ’s resurrection (Matthew 28:5–7). Modern historical examination—drawing from eyewitness accounts recorded in the Gospels—points to the resurrection as a factual event that transformed fearful disciples into bold witnesses. That real resurrection ensures eternal life for all who trust Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20–22).

V. God’s Desire for True Worship

God delights when people worship Him in sincerity and truth. True worship is not restricted to external forms but is an outpouring from the heart in recognition of God’s worthiness.

1. In Spirit and in Truth

Jesus taught, “A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23). Worship that pleases God is anchored in honest devotion, guided by the Holy Spirit, and grounded in biblical truth.

2. A Life of Worship, Not Just an Event

Though corporate gatherings are vital, Romans 12:1 states, “Present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” Every aspect of life can reflect worship: work, family, leisure. God desires that all we do brings glory to Him (1 Corinthians 10:31).

3. Historical Faithfulness and Archaeological Insight

Archaeological discoveries (for example, inscriptions like the Tel Dan Stele referencing the House of David) support the historical context of biblical worship. These findings highlight that worship in Scripture is neither mythological nor random, but grounded in real places, times, and peoples who encountered the living God.

VI. God’s Desire for Love and Compassion Toward Others

Alongside loving God wholeheartedly, Scripture highlights the importance of loving one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39). God’s desire extends beyond individual piety to communal well-being and justice.

1. The Second Greatest Commandment

Jesus declared, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). This reflects God’s compassionate heart. He calls for generosity toward the poor, mercy toward the oppressed, and kindness toward the stranger (Micah 6:8).

2. Manifesting God’s Character Through Service

When individuals care for others (James 1:27), they mirror God’s paternal love. His desire is that believers become agents of healing, peace, and justice in a fallen world—evidenced historically by Christians establishing schools, hospitals, and relief efforts.

3. Unity in the Body of Christ

God desires the unity of His people (John 17:21). This unity testifies of His love to the watching world. Shown in ancient papyri and early church writings, genuine fellowship and practical love among believers have consistently been a powerful witness, validating the transformative power of the gospel.

VII. God’s Desire for Knowledge of His Word

Scripture is God’s self-revelation, and He desires that people immerse themselves in His Word and apply its truth.

1. Scripture as Inerrant and Authoritative

The weight of manuscript evidence—such as the thousands of Greek New Testament fragments and the Dead Sea Scrolls—shows that the biblical text has been faithfully transmitted. God desires that His Word be studied, understood, and treasured (Psalm 119:105).

2. Meditation and Application

Joshua 1:8 urges, “This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night.” By reflecting on Scripture, individuals gain wisdom and guidance, which align them with God’s will.

3. Illumination by the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 2:12 points out that believers have received the Spirit so they may understand what God has freely given. God desires not mere intellectual acquaintance but heart-level transformation through His living Word.

VIII. God’s Desire for Proclamation of the Gospel

Because God wants all to be saved, He extends this invitation through believers sharing the good news.

1. The Great Commission

Matthew 28:19–20 commands, “Go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.” This is a direct reflection of God’s desire that no one remain ignorant of His grace.

2. Empowered Witnesses

Acts 1:8 states, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses.” Throughout church history, the explosive spread of Christianity—underscored by historical documents detailing the early martyrs—reveals God’s ongoing, purposeful work to make salvation known.

3. A Universal Invitation

Revelation 7:9 depicts a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and tongue standing before the throne of God. This vivid picture fulfills His global desire to redeem humanity from every corner of the earth.

IX. God’s Desire for Creation’s Good and Stewardship

Though the earth reflects the effects of sin, Scripture reminds us that the physical world is still God’s handiwork (Genesis 1:31).

1. Caring for Creation

Humanity’s original mandate included stewardship of the earth (Genesis 2:15). God’s desire is not destructive exploitation but caring oversight. Scientific and geological observations—such as the Earth’s finely tuned ecosystems— echo the precision and design of the Creator’s blueprint.

2. Hope for a Renewed Creation

Romans 8:21 envisions that all creation “will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” Eventually, God’s desire is the full restoration of creation—new heavens and a new earth (Revelation 21:1).

X. Conclusion: Embracing God’s Desire

From Genesis to Revelation, the consistent witness of Scripture is that God desires a loving relationship with us, transformation into holiness, genuine worship, compassion and service to others, immersion in His Word, and global proclamation of the gospel. Every facet of this desire testifies to His mercy and love, evidenced most profoundly in Christ’s death and resurrection.

Archaeological, historical, scientific, and manuscript findings reinforce the reliability of the Bible’s message—a message that points to the living God who created the universe by intelligent design, who orchestrated salvation through Christ, and who calls each person to respond.

In answering, “What does God desire?” the simplest summary is found in Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Through Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and in alignment with Scripture, each believer joins God’s grand design and fulfills His redemptive purpose. In this, God is glorified and humanity finds its greatest joy.