HIS GOODNESS

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His Goodness

His Goodness Text References: Exodus 34:6, Psalm 23:6; 65:4,11

Introduction

Goodness has been described by virtually all the dictionaries I consulted as the quality of being good. The word “good” is the most comprehensive term when praising the excellence of anyone.

The Encarta Dictionary provides about 28 different renderings of the word “good,” some of which include:

  • High quality
  • Suitable
  • Skilled
  • Virtuous
  • Kind
  • Affording pleasure
  • Complete
  • Undamaged
  • Ample
  • Honorable
  • Valid
  • Helpful
  • Pleasant
  • Beneficial
  • Favorable
  • Advantageous
  • Genuine
  • Able to pay
  • Guaranteed to pay
  • Producing results
  • Sizable
  • Full
  • Healthy

The Hebrew word that describes goodness is TOWB, which means:

  • To be good in the widest sense
  • Favourable
  • Loving kindness
  • Pleasant

The Greek words are Kalos, Agathos, and Chreestos, which mean:

  • To be bountiful
  • Loving
  • Pleasant
  • Prosperous
  • Sweet
  • Wealth
  • Welfare
  • Beautiful
  • Kindness

Seven Things to Note About God’s Infinite Goodness

1. It is Not the Same as the Providence of God

a. Divine Providence

This refers to the general care and guidance of God to humankind and His creation (Genesis 15:16, Matthew 5:45, Acts 17:28, Hebrews 1:3).

b. It is Covenant-Related

God’s generosity is often referred to as loving kindness and is expressed to His covenant people. According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary (Old Testament), God’s goodness involves a combination of:

  • Strength – Ability and power
  • Steadfastness – Faithfulness
  • Love – General or specific

While strength and steadfastness are exclusive to the covenant, His love can be providential. In His sovereign act, God may move in mercy to meet human needs in all these areas. However, this is at His discretion and cannot be claimed or demanded.

  • God’s loving kindness particularly refers to mutual or reciprocal rights and obligations between parties in a relationship.
  • The weaker seeks from the stronger, while the stronger remains committed to His promise.
  • It implies personal involvement and commitment of the stronger in the affairs of the weaker, beyond the rule of law, where grace comes into play.

2. Goodness is an Action Word

The Bible often describes goodness in the context of doing, showing, and keeping (Exodus 33:19, Deuteronomy 5:10, 7:9, 1 Kings 8:66).

3. The Goodness of God is an Expression of His Glory

God’s goodness to a person is an expression of His glory placed on or revealed to the person (Exodus 33, 2 Chronicles 5:13, 7:3).

4. Adversity Often Tries to Block or Shield Us from His Goodness

However, the following can help us secure and bring us into the manifestation of His goodness:

  • Knowledge – Jeremiah, Lamentations 3:19-22
  • Faith – David, Psalm 27:13
  • Persistence – Job, Job 13:15-16; 19:25-27
  • Relationship – The Disciples, Mark 6:46-51

Action Note: Never forget: Proverbs 23:18.

5. Ingratitude Can Cause Us to Miss His Goodness

Ingratitude can prevent us from experiencing the goodness meant for us (Mark 6:52, Luke 17:11-19).

6. God’s Goodness is Found at the Place of His Assignment for Each Person

God’s goodness for each person can be located at the place of His assignment for them. Examples include:

  • Abraham – Leaving Ur to the place to be shown
  • Isaac – Staying and sowing in Gerar despite famine
  • Jacob – Tending Laban’s sheep
  • Joseph – Holding onto his dreams and enduring slavery in Potipha’s house
  • Moses – Hebrews 11:24-27
  • Joshua – Staying faithful to Moses (Exodus 33:11)
  • Gideon – Fighting against the Midianites
  • David – Facing Goliath and King Saul
  • Peter – Staying faithful to his commission
  • Philip the Evangelist – Preaching in Samaria (Acts 8-9)
  • Paul the Apostle – Laboring in grace (1 Corinthians 15:9-10)
  • Dorcas – Doing good to God’s people (Acts 9:36-41)

7. How to Access God’s Goodness

To access God’s goodness, you must:

  • Have a heart for God – Exodus 33:12-13
  • Ask Him to show you His divine nature – Exodus 33:13-18, Psalm 103:7, Psalm 86:16-17
  • Hear from God and obey – Exodus 34:1-4

Conclusion

In conclusion, God’s goodness is available to all who seek it. As we step into this journey of life, let us always remember that it is abundant and covenant-related, as earlier stated.

His Goodness Quiz

Apostle (DR.) Udoh
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