Do you know the song “God is a good God”? The first part of the song goes something like this:
God is a good God,
Yes he is!
God is a good God,
Yes he is!
God is indeed a good God. Yes, He is! No one is good except God alone… and apart from Him, we have nothing that is good (Psalm 16:2). As with all the Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, goodness is not a quality we can manufacture on our own. James 1:17 says, “Every good thing is given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” This certainly includes a life characterized by goodness. In giving the Holy Spirit control of our lives, we are blessed with the fruit of goodness. As others see our good works, they will praise our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Goodness in man is not a mere passive quality, but the deliberate preference of right to wrong, the firm and persistent resistance of all moral evil, and the choosing and following of all moral good.
God wants the earth to be full of His goodness. What He considers good is clearly spelt out in the Bible. However, since the creation of Adam and Eve, humanity, under Satan’s influence, has chosen to come up with its own definition of goodness. What God considers to be good is when we walk in truth, righteousness, love, gentleness, kindness, justice and light. His definition of goodness is when we walk in ways that are acceptable in His sight.
God is good, and He wants us to grow in the fruit of goodness so we can be like Him. Can you think of ways that God has been good to you or people you may know? Can you somehow strive to do as He does? If for some reason you cannot recall ways in which God has been good to you, you could search through the scriptures and see many ways in which he has been good. He delivered people from their distress and afflictions brought on by sin, He forgave Israel even after she strayed numerous times, He prayed for people, he healed many from their diseases, and He showed compassion to all. As children of the Lord, we must strive to be like Him in every single way. We must act justly, love mercy, walk humbly, and give extravagantly, so that people may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven!
Here is a self-examination questionnaire that you can use to find out if you are walking in goodness:
- Is the “good” I do based on God’s standards in His Bible, society’s standards and standards I’ve created?
- How do my actions show God’s right way of life? How do my actions show God’s law?
- Would God call what I am about to do “good”? If yes, what evidence from the Bible shows it?
- Am I just? Am I fair? Am I obedient to God’s commandments? Am I generous in doing good to others?
- Do I act in a just way? Do I love mercy, walk humbly and give extravagantly?
In the comments, share one way you will walk in goodness for the rest of this week. For me, I will definitely try to ensure that my words are gracious and gentle.
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Angelisa is a Jesus enthusiast, Worship leader & Christian youth leader. She considers herself to be the old-fashioned type of girl who loves spicy food and belly bottom laughter. Among her passions are singing, working with children, and encouraging others.