Who is God? Some might reply the 'Maker' others the 'Judge' and so on. We seem to have these ways of speaking of God in incomplete and partial truths that leaves one wondering what the true nature of God really is. On one occasion Jesus was called good and his startling reply was, 'why do you call me good, there is only one good'. What a profound statement. Consider the source if you will. Only one good, the Heavenly Father, as Jesus revealed might cause some to question. In our culture we often speak of someone who has shown goodness to us through some act or gift given. We might argue that they are good. But in light of Jesus statement there is obviously a higher and distinctive goodness we must come to know.
What is the goodness of God? It is an aspect of His eternal and unchanging divine nature that is infinite and unlimited. There is no comparison to His goodness. It is or rather He is the Supreme goodness unrivaled. When a human being seeks to show or demonstrate goodness it is usually a single act or gift given. Rarely is it done with no strings. The goodness of God on the other hand is who He is. It is completely and fully what is in His heart. This kind of goodness is not deserved. In other words it is unmerited and displays His nature and is not based on a persons graded worthiness.
If we were to reflect and observe all around us in our personal lives and in the created order we could see endless numbers of examples of things that reveal the goodness of God. For example, if you have ever eaten fresh fruit picked from a tree and tasted it's succulent juices and flavor you would likely agree that it is amazing. God in his goodness has demonstrated His nature of goodness by providing for us in many ways including this apparently small example.
The goodness of God is demonstrated as we have briefly alluded to and intended to be experienced. As we begin to experience Him in His goodness it provokes a response in us. It has the effect of drawing us closer to Him. The barrier of fear is removed as we begin to enjoy the goodness of God and come to see that this is what is in His heart toward us and all of his creation. The goodness of God attracts us to him. The good news is that he will be forever good! We tend to speak of God being good to us when things are going the way we want them to in our lives but in reality His goodness will follow us all our days as the psalmist David stated in Psalm 23. His goodness will never end.
Where are you today? Are you enjoying the presence of the goodness of God that is available? If we are to know Him for who He is and if we are to be an expression of who He is through our lives we need to experience His goodness. It will change our perspective. If we fail to gain this in our lives, God will be portrayed inaccurately at best and others will not experience Him as He desires.
Scott M. Shafer
Scott M. Shafer is a speaker and author. Innovative training materials written and developed by him are available in seminars, workshops, and retreats along with his new book titled, "What Every Dream Means". Scott has the ability to understand and interpret dreams. He is passionate about coaching, mentoring and training others how to interpret and how to fully engage all aspects of the dreaming cycle. Scott has been working with, studying and researching dreams since 1985. He has imparted life-changing revelation and light into hundreds of people’s lives.