What does "good and upright is the LORD" reveal about God's character? Setting the Stage: Psalm 25:8 “Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way.” “Good”: The Overflow of God’s Generous Heart • Absolute moral excellence: “You are good, and You do what is good.” (Psalm 119:68) • Abundant kindness: “The LORD is good to all, and His compassion rests on all He has made.” (Psalm 145:9) • Constant benevolence: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.” (James 1:17) • Covenant faithfulness: “For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations.” (Psalm 100:5) “Upright”: Perfect Justice and Reliability • Flawless righteousness: “He is the Rock; His work is perfect; all His ways are just.” (De 32:4) • Unwavering integrity: “For the word of the LORD is upright, and all His work is done in truth.” (Psalm 33:4) • Impartial fairness: “The LORD is righteous in all His ways.” (Psalm 145:17) • Dependable promises: “God is not a man, that He should lie.” (Numbers 23:19) Why Both Qualities Matter Together • Goodness without uprightness could be indulgent; uprightness without goodness could be severe. In God they unite, producing perfect love coupled with perfect justice. • His goodness draws us; His uprightness protects us. • His generous heart provides; His moral rectitude guarantees those provisions are holy and wise. What This Means for Us • Guidance for the lost: “He shows sinners the way.” (Psalm 25:8) • Assurance of salvation: A good God desires to save; an upright God saves righteously through the cross (Romans 3:25-26). • Hope amid suffering: “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble; He cares for those who trust in Him.” (Nahum 1:7) • Motivation for obedience: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” (Ephesians 5:1) • Foundation for worship: “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psalm 34:8) Living in Light of His Character • Trust His heart even when circumstances shift; His goodness never dims. • Rest in His judgments; His uprightness ensures that all His ways with us are right. • Reflect His nature by practicing kindness paired with integrity in daily life. |
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