Bleach and God's Character?

If you have been around me as a fellow anime fan, you'll likely hear my adoration of the anime series Bleach (available to binge watch on Disney+).  In summary, Bleach features this teenager (Ichigo) who becomes a Soul Reaper that fights off bad spirit beings (hollows) to keep the world of the living safe.  What makes this series amazing is not just the epic fights Ichigo gets into, or the rocking, cheesy 90's theme music during those scenes, but the heart behind what Ichigo is fighting for.  When he is given this power/role of being a Soul Reaper, it was to defend his family from a hollow.  Whenever Ichigo picks up his massive sword (zanpakto), he doesn't swing it for himself; he is always swinging it for the aid of those around him.  He is the defender of those who can't defend themselves.  What makes it even more amazing is that when he faces a foe that is seemingly impossible to fight, he goes to work and pushes himself even further to be able to fight off this new danger. That's why I can't get enough of this series: Ichigo is someone who I really connect with at the core of why he fights.  Ichigo's character resonates with the kind of person I strive to be.

I have shared in a pervious post that God is your defender (Ich bin euer schild remember!).  But sometimes we need a reminder of who the character of God is and why He is defending us.  Why does God even do what He does throughout the Bible?  The first self introduction of God can be found in Exodus 34:6. "Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness." Did you catch it? There are five traits that God wants you to know about Him and what is at His core. Compassion, mercy, slow to anger, unfailing love, and faithfulness.  Legit, you could do a focus series on each of these traits that would fill books with awesome insights. God is moved in compassion: He sees you and is moved to care for you.  He is merciful: that is a gift that He will freely give to you, you just need to ask and trust. He is slow to anger: He is a patient being that is more than willing to work with you despite your present situation.  God is unfailing love: He will not give up on you and will fight for you! God is faithful: what He says he will do, you can trust that He will not let you down. This is God's character and it really shows what kind of character we should want to have in ourselves.

What kind of character do you see in your favourite fandom heroes that resonate with you in who you want to be in your character? What character of God do you often resonate with and appreciate? What is one character of God that you need to develop to represent Him to others?

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