I'm familiar with this common whitewashing of God's questionably assigned attributes.
LOL! His Word is very clear about His attributes. And, as you must know:
"...what can be known about God is plain to (all), because God has shown it to (all). For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made" (Romans 1:19-20).
Unfortunately, it creates a double-standard. Bad (sinful) if done by humans/fine (not sinful) if done by God.
No "double standard..." With all due respect, what you say here is very shortsighted. The
way in which things manifest themselves in God is
sinless, whereas the way in which they manifest themselves in people is
sinful. Just to take anger as an example, there is such thing as a holy and righteous ~ and thus sinless ~ anger, but there is also an unholy, unrighteous ~ and thus sinful ~ anger. The two manifestations are very, very different.
Jesus taught us to love our enemies, which is godly behavior.
Certainly, but you seem to imply a very limited view of love.
If we are required to love our enemies, what should God do with his own enemies?
Would you propose we counsel God according to our own standards of love and justice?
Weren't they forgiven on the cross?
Possibly. :) But... possibly not. Jesus's atonement was
sufficient for all, certainly ~ so everyone is "eligible" ~ but only effectual for God's elect, as this depends on God's mercy/compassion, which He gives to those whom He wills and does not give to those whom He wills (Romans 9).
Does God operate at a lower standard than he holds us to?
Actually, I would redirect that question thusly: Does God hold us to a lower standard than He holds Himself to? No, right?
So if we fall short ~ and we do (to put it mildly) ~ then will He compromise His standard... and even Himself... for us?
Or does He provide a way ~ actually a Way ~ for us to meet that standard... a Savior Who meets that standard on our behalf, redeeming and thereby reconciling us to God? :)
Matthew 5:43-48 NRSVue
“You have heard that it was said,
‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
44 But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven,
for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends
rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.
46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?
Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters,
what more are you doing than others? Do not even the gentiles do the same?
48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
A great passage, to be sure. It seems to me that how you might define love and perfection is at least somewhat different ~ lower (again, to put it mildly), really ~ than God's. Which makes sense, actually; as Isaiah (quoting God) said...
"...My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways... For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).
... as David said...
"O LORD, You have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it" (Psalm 139:1-6).
...and Paul:
"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways! 'For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to Him that He might be repaid?' For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen" (Romans 11:33-36).
Grace and peace to you.
