How can God be three things?

Written By Deborah Bird

Cameron (primary school student) asks: How can God be three things—Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit?

Sometimes people think the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is like a puzzle we have to solve about what God is. But actually it may better to say the Trinity is a way of describing the different ways in which we experience God.

  • We recognise God as the one who creates us all - like a Father or Mother.

  • We learn what God is like in the flesh when we look at Jesus—a kind, devoted, and caring companion - like a loving son (or daughter).

  • And we encounter God inside us, giving us compassion and courage - like an encouraging, embracing Spirit.

It’s still one God but experienced by us in three ways - a little like how a flower might experience the sun as light, warmth, and energy - each different but working together to make the flower grow.

None of us completely understand the mystery of God but the important thing the Trinity tells us is this: God is creative, loving, and always with you.

I wonder—what words would you use to describe how you experience God?

Deborah Bird
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Does God have gender and colour?