How does understanding God's goodness influence our relationship with Him and others? Listening in on the Question Matthew 19:17: “Why do you ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But if you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” • A rich young man thought goodness was something you could measure and achieve. • Jesus redirects him: true goodness is rooted in God’s character alone. God Alone Defines Goodness • Exodus 34:6 — “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.” • Psalm 34:8 — “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” • James 1:17 — “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.” Key idea: Goodness is not a ladder we climb; it is God’s nature we receive and reflect. Meeting a Good God Changes How We Relate to Him • Awe and worship – Seeing that “there is only One who is good” pulls us off center stage. • Trust – Psalm 31:19 — His goodness is “stored up” for those who take refuge in Him. • Repentance – Romans 2:4 — “God’s kindness leads you to repentance,” melting hard hearts. • Obedience – Jesus links goodness with “keep the commandments.” Obedience becomes response, not résumé. • Security – Titus 3:4-5 — His goodness secured salvation “not by works … but according to His mercy.” God’s Goodness Spills Over into Our Relationships with People • Humility – When only God is good, we stop comparing resumes and start serving. • Mercy and forgiveness – Ephesians 4:32 — “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” • Generous love – 1 John 4:19 — “We love because He first loved us.” • Integrity and justice – Micah 6:8 — Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly. • Spirit-empowered character – Galatians 5:22-23 — The Spirit grows “goodness” in us so others glimpse God’s heart. Living the Lesson This Week • Start each day by thanking God for specific ways His goodness showed up yesterday. • Read one Gospel scene daily, asking: “What does this reveal about God’s goodness?” • When irritated with someone, pause and recall how God’s goodness has forgiven you. • Look for a practical act of kindness you can do anonymously; let goodness be its own reward. • Memorize Matthew 19:17 to keep your compass set on the only True North of goodness. |
    |