Today’s Reading
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 ESV)
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…” (Galatians 6:10 ESV)
“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” (Titus 3:8 ESV)
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7 ESV)
Dear family friends recently lost their entire home to a ferocious fire. The morning after as sunshine stretched across the sky we stood in awe, staring at the smoldering aftermath. My friend had the boldness to state plainly, “This is life. But God is good.” God is good! Who knows how many times I’ve heard that phrase, but in that moment of crisis it never felt so weighty. In a circumstance when most would blame God, my friend recognized His goodness – and she meant it with every beat of her broken heart.
The goodness of God is the cornerstone of our theology. Goodness isn’t an abstract idea or human goal, it is first and foremost who God is. “For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:5) God reveals His goodness through what He does, creates, commands, gives, and through those who are obedient to the Holy Spirit. In fact, we have not been saved by our good works, but we have been saved for His good works! “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Our friends have repeatedly expressed awe over the active benevolence on their behalf. In turn, they have responded with wholehearted praise to Christ Jesus. People are left slack jawed witnessing this stunning grace in the midst of such grief. All of this goodness coming through frail humanity is evidence of God as He begins to bring beauty from the ashes. And the wild thing is, it’s touching a huge population – not only our friends’ souls, but also the hearts of those far and wide.
God’s desire is to continually feed a soul-starved world through His children in the hope that all will “Taste and see that He is good.” (Psalm 34:8) Let’s remember we’re called to do some good. The Lord’s supernatural ability is waiting to jam pack our availability!
Reflect
How have you experienced the goodness of God?
To whom will you demonstrate God’s goodness today? How?
We have a tendency to place qualities of man on God. God’s goodness is not of us. Allow the goodness of God to be God-sized in your mind.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your goodness all around me. Open my eyes that I may see Your good gifts in my life. Help me to yield to the Holy Spirit that others may experience Your goodness. Thank You for blessing my obedience. There is no one like You! In Jesus’ name I pray; amen.