Goodness of GodSample

Raising the stakes on goodness

I suspect the way we use the word ‘good’ in our conversations does a massive disservice to God when we use the same word to describe Him. ‘How was your day?’ ‘Good.’ In the same way that ‘awesome’ has become a word describing something we think is more than good, the word ‘good’ has evolved into a descriptor of something that’s okay and slightly better than fine.

But, goodness is a fruit of the Spirit. Goodness is a statement of someone’s intrinsic character. In the case of God, it’s an attribute that’s written into His DNA and does not change, erode, or cease to be true. In the lyrics of a great song, God is a ‘... good, good Father. It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are’. God’s goodness is who He is, which also means when we think about who we are, His goodness is part of His image, which we are to reflect. His creation reflects, and is so much more than something that’s slightly better than fine. Don’t get me wrong – I don’t think God feels let down when we describe our lunch as good – but I do think that it’s worth us considering what God’s goodness actually means. Is there more to this characteristic than we realise?

God’s goodness to us displays its ultimate fulfilment in the abundant grace shown on the cross. But He also shows it to us each and every day as He provides food, clothing, breath, work, and people to share time with. God’s goodness is shown in His forgiveness, the gift of prayer and the blessing of His Word. All of these things are much more than ‘slightly better than fine’, don’t you think?

Written by KATIE SMITH