Goodness: What is it?
Webster’s dictionary defines goodness as: “The state of moral excellence, kindness, generosity and the state of “being good.”
Hebrew word for it is: Tu-vi-ya which means:”God is good.” steadfastness, persistence of love and loyalty that God has for His people.”
The Greek word for it is: ag-ath-os’ which means” “a good constitution of nature, excellent, distinguishable, upright and honorable.”
What does God’s Word say about Goodness?
“What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” Ps. 116:12
“But do thou for me, O God the lord, for thy name’s sake; because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.” Ps. 109:21
“Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed; because thou, Lord, hast hope in me, and comforted me.” Ps. 86:17
“Hear me, O Lord’ for thy lovingkindness is good; turn unto me according to the multitude of they tender mercies.” Ps. 69:16
“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.” Ps. 27:13
“Surely goodness and mercy shall fallow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Ps. 23:6
“And He said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and shew mercy on wheom I will shew mercy.” Ex. 33:19
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Rom. 8:28
God’s nature is steeped in goodness. He gravitates and desires to bring out the good in us, and desires that we, as His children bring out the goodness in Him. When we dwell in the house of the Lord (in His presence) by continually following the will of our Father, we allow the blessings of His good nature to flow freely into our lives. As we know, God can bless who He desires to bless and show mercy to those He desires to. Because of we are not on the same level, spiritually, mentally, or even relationally, we as humans may not understand the reason for suffering on this earth. But, if we cling to the truth of God’s Word we can know that all things not only happen with a purpose, but under the watch of a good God that will make all things good in the end, especially to those who love Him and serve Him.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
You are a good God. I am focusing on that. I want to praise you and ask that you bring to my remembrance all the good things in my life I enjoy because you have chosen to bless me with them. There are people and situations that you have shown your good mercy to me and through me. Help bring those faces to my heart when I get bombarded with discouragement. This life does not reward the ones that choose to love you and walk in your statues and commandments. The god of this world is NOT good. He comes to steal, to kill and destroy every good thing that is being birthed in your children’s hearts. The hope that you put in us, the love to reach out to others, the patience to stick through our trials with a joyful spirit are all being tested and tried everyday. Lord, in the name of your Son Jesus I give my trials to you. You are a good God that I can trust my life with. I ask that you calm my soul with a peace that passes all earthly understanding and a joy that makes no sense to anyone who does not know you. By this alone, I may have the honor of leading others into your good arms. In Jesus’ name, may the goodness of you been seen in me, Amen.”