Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the goodness of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His benevolent nature and His actions toward creation. God's goodness is not merely an abstract attribute but is actively demonstrated through His deeds and interactions with humanity. This entry explores the manifestation of God's goodness in doing good, as revealed in the Scriptures.1. Creation and Sustenance From the very beginning, God's goodness is evident in the act of creation. Genesis 1:31 states, "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." The goodness of God is reflected in the order, beauty, and harmony of the created world. Furthermore, God's ongoing sustenance of creation is a testament to His goodness. Psalm 145:9 declares, "The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made." This verse highlights God's continuous provision and care for all living things. 2. Provision and Blessing God's goodness is manifested in His provision for the needs of His people. In the wilderness, God provided manna and quail for the Israelites, demonstrating His care and sustenance (Exodus 16:4-15). In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about God's provision in Matthew 6:26 : "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" This assurance of God's provision underscores His goodness and faithfulness. 3. Redemption and Salvation The ultimate manifestation of God's goodness is found in His redemptive work through Jesus Christ. John 3:16 proclaims, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." The sacrificial love of God, offering His Son for the salvation of humanity, is the pinnacle of His goodness. Ephesians 2:8-9 further emphasizes this grace: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." 4. Guidance and Wisdom God's goodness is also evident in His guidance and the wisdom He imparts to His people. James 1:5 encourages believers, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." God's willingness to provide wisdom and direction is a reflection of His good nature, ensuring that His people walk in paths of righteousness. 5. Justice and Mercy The goodness of God is balanced with His justice and mercy. Psalm 33:5 states, "The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His loving devotion." God's goodness ensures that He acts justly, rewarding the righteous and addressing wickedness. Simultaneously, His mercy is a profound expression of His goodness, as seen in Lamentations 3:22-23 : "Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" 6. Comfort and Presence In times of trouble, God's goodness is manifested in His comforting presence. Psalm 23:4 reassures, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." God's presence provides solace and strength, demonstrating His unwavering goodness to those who trust in Him. 7. Future Hope The goodness of God extends into the future, offering hope and assurance of eternal life. Revelation 21:4 promises, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This future hope is a testament to God's enduring goodness and His ultimate plan for His people. In summary, the goodness of God is a dynamic and active force, manifested in His creation, provision, redemption, guidance, justice, mercy, comfort, and the promise of eternal life. Through these acts, God reveals His benevolent nature and His unwavering commitment to the well-being of His creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 119:68You are good, and do good; teach me your statutes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 145:9 Library The Life of God Book 1 Against those who Think that what is Just is not Good. The Knowledge of Jesus Christ the Best Knowledge "God with Us" God Proclaiming his Own Name Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for ... The Bible --The Background and the Picture. The Christian's God Goodness Wrought and Goodness Laid Up Resources What does it mean to taste and see that the Lord is good in Psalm 34:8? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is finite godism? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to do good unto all men in Galatians 6:10? | GotQuestions.org Goodness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Goodness of God is Part of his Character The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Abundant The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Enduring The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Great The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Rich The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Satisfying The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Universal The Goodness of God: Manifested in Doing Good The Goodness of God: Manifested in Forgiving Sins The Goodness of God: Manifested in Providing for the Poor The Goodness of God: Manifested in Supplying Temporal Wants The Goodness of God: Manifested: Despise Not The Goodness of God: Manifested: Leads to Repentance The Goodness of God: Manifested: Magnify The Goodness of God: Manifested: Pray for the Manifestation of The Goodness of God: Manifested: Recognize, in his Dealings The Goodness of God: Manifested: Reverence The Goodness of God: Manifested: The Wicked Disregard The Goodness of God: Manifested: To his Church The Goodness of God: Manifested: Urge Others to Confide In Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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