You Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made. You Are a Special Person
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Romans 8:29-30
Recently I’ve been thinking about the attributes of God. The basic question I ponder is “What Makes God – God?” After studying some of His character traits I endeavor to explore ways I can apply these characteristics to my life and understanding. If God chose us to “become like His Son” then we need to know and apply those character qualities to our daily living.
We can choose to focus on the things that have gone wrong in our lives and relationships or we can appreciate God’s Goodness. I love the way the Psalmist states his focus, “You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you”. Ps. 86:5
Much like any caring parent, God takes delight in providing gifts to His children. Romans 8:28 states, “All things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
What is the Goodness of God? Easton’s Dictionary tells us that Goodness is a perfection of God’s character which He exercises towards His creatures according to their various circumstances and relations (Ps. 145:8, 9; 103:8; 1 John 4:8). Viewed generally, it is benevolence; as exercised with respect to the miseries of His creatures it is mercy, pity, compassion, and in the case of impenitent sinners, long-suffering patience; as exercised in communicating favor on the unworthy it is grace. “God’s goodness appears in two things: giving and forgiving.”
As we seek to identify with God and become like Him, our character is shaped and molded. Someone once said, “Goodness consists not so much in the outward things we do but in the inward things we are.”
The Psalmist said, “You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.” I see four things that will help us apply and embrace His Goodness in our lives.
God’s Goodness Supplies Temporal Wants – Job, money, health, family
Think about how He takes care of you and provides for your welfare.
“And yet He left not himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you from Heaven rains and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.” Acts 14:17
God’s Goodness Leads to Repentance
Because He loves you He wants fellowship with you. We must evaluate our sin in light of His grace and goodness.
“Or did you think that because He’s such a nice God, He’d let you off the hook? Better think this one through from the beginning. God is kind, but He’s not soft. In kindness He takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change.” Romans 2:4 The Message
God’s Goodness Is Expressed in His Forgiveness
Grace – Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
“For Hezekiah had prayed for them, saying, the good Jehovah pardon every one” 2 Chronicles 30:18
His Goodness allows us to access His kingdom. His goodness provided a Savior.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” Psalm 34:8
Dear Friend, are you glad we are called and encouraged to be like Him “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3
None of us will ever be a perfect model like Christ. Our challenge is to be more loving, more caring, more faithful, more obedient, more compassionate, more inspirational, and more forgiving as we apply the knowledge and the wisdom we obtain from His word. “And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9
In a world that does everything to tear us down, to tempt us, to be critical and judgmental – let’s provide others and ourselves the grace we need to encourage one another.
Personal Application:
Can you describe the grace God you and how He reigns in your life?
What can you share with others about His goodness and how He has provided, protected, and comforted you?
Jim Grassi, D. Min.