Last week, we spent our time focusing upon the “Goodness of God” as reflected in His character that is vividly portrayed in the Psalms. In one of those Psalms, we discovered the psalmist declaring,
“Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who reverence you, which you have prepared for those who trust in you, in the presence of the sons of men” (Psalm 31:19)
This trust in God encourages us to cultivate our relationship with Him, knowing that His blessings are already prepared for all those who seek Him.
We also found that David invites all of us to,
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who trusts in Him” (Psalm 34:8).
All of the Psalms declaring God’s goodness focus upon God’s provision, protection, and deliverance for all those who seek refuge in Him. And in the midst of our trials, we are all invited to have a “taste” of God’s goodness, assured that this simple taste will be all we need to continue feasting on His goodness and discover the blessings that flow from it.
But as you might have expected, expressions God’s goodness are also evident in the New Testament. Both Paul and James tell us that,
“Every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of lights (Acts 10:38; James 1:17).
And the Apostle Paul encouraged the believers in Rome to remember that it is always,
“… the goodness of God leads us to repentance” (Romans 2:4).
And so, even the New Testament points us to God’s Goodness as He provides “good and perfect gifts” to His children and “leads us to repentance.”
Because “Goodness” is a character trait of God, it should also be a trait found in His children. The Greek word for “goodness” is agathasune, and points to one who is upright in both heart and life. It captures the idea of moral integrity and righteous deeds motivated by love and a desire to serve and bless others.
It goes without saying that God expects His children to reflect His character with regard to the Disposition of Goodness. The Apostle Paul lists “goodness” as one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, alongside love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). If we are producing the “Fruit of the Spirit” in our lives, then we will be displaying “Goodness” in all we say and do.
As we wrap up today’s blog, we see first of all, that goodness is a divine attribute for all of His children to emulate as well as a spiritual fruit to cultivate in our lives. It calls us to live “good” and “godly” lives of integrity and moral courage. We are called to do good each day, and that includes helping those in need and showing kindness toward others. On the flip side, it also involves confronting wrongdoing and providing for the vulnerable, as well as defending those who are without strength or resources. And in so doing, we serve as witnesses to God’s love and goodness.
If it isn’t already a part of your character, I pray that Goodness will become one of the recognizable dispositions of your heart and life. I pray that we will all remember that by embracing goodness, we can fulfill our spiritual calling and impact the world around us for Christ.
Blessings to all.
