In today's world, "goodness" is a relative term. No one sees it the same way as another. To us, goodness is often based on our moods, our upbringings, our background, our perspectives, and so much more. It is always changing for us and is not constant. Yet God tells us that goodness is defined and unchanging. So then, what exactly is goodness?
The Bible tells us that God is good and that "the goodness of God endures continually" (Psalm 52:1). The goodness of God is not how we humans define it. God's goodness is pure and whole. It is just and right.
"For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord." - Psalm 33:4-5
Goodness is based on God's character. It is pure, holy, loving. It is righteous law. It is His grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness.
"For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You." - Psalm 86:5
Everything God has created is good. In the beginning, He created light and He called it good. He created the seas and the land and called it good. He created all the animals of the earth and called it good. Then He created humans in His perfect image and called us very good. Everything God created is good because He is good.
If you ever doubt that He is good, just look to the cross.
God knew from the start that we humans would mess up and need saving. From the start, He planned to have Christ come down to save us. Christ came down and lived a perfect life, became sin on the cross, willingly experienced God's wrath, and died a criminal's death for us, not because we deserved it, but because His goodness compelled Him to. Because of His goodness, we have the chance of complete redemption.
We have hope because of His goodness. With redemption, we can let God change our sinful heart and shape them into good. He'll lead us into a path of righteousness and of life. Let Him change your heart so that others can see Christ's goodness in you.
