In a world often clouded by darkness and despair, it’s easy to lose sight of one fundamental truth: God is good. This simple yet profound statement forms the bedrock of our faith and shapes our understanding of the divine nature. Today, let’s explore the concept of goodness as an attribute of God and as a fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
The Bible repeatedly affirms God’s inherent goodness. From the creation account in Genesis, where God declares each aspect of His creation “good,” to the Psalms that extol His goodness, we see a consistent theme emerging. Psalm 33:5 beautifully captures this, stating, “He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.”
But what does it mean for God to be good? It’s not merely a casual observation or a subjective opinion. When we say God is good, we’re making a profound statement about His very nature and character. This goodness is absolute, unchanging, and forms the foundation of all that He does.
Interestingly, the first challenge to God’s goodness came in the Garden of Eden. The serpent’s temptation of Eve wasn’t just about eating forbidden fruit; it was a direct attack on God’s character. By suggesting that God was withholding something desirable from Adam and Eve, the serpent planted seeds of doubt about God’s goodness. This tactic continues to this day, as we often face situations that tempt us to question whether God truly has our best interests at heart.
Yet, even in the face of sin and rebellion, God’s goodness shines through. Romans 2:4 reminds us that “the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” It’s not God’s wrath or judgment that primarily draws us to Him, but His overwhelming goodness. This goodness is perhaps most clearly demonstrated in the story of Jonah and Nineveh.
Jonah, a prophet of Israel, was commanded by God to warn the people of Nineveh about impending judgment. Jonah, knowing God’s merciful nature, initially fled from this task. He knew that if the people repented, God in His goodness would forgive them – something Jonah, in his human perspective, didn’t want to see happen to Israel’s enemies. Yet God’s goodness prevailed. When the people of Nineveh repented, God repented (changed His mind) from the disaster He had planned.
This story beautifully illustrates how God’s goodness often challenges our human notions of justice and fairness. It reminds us that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9).
As believers, we’re called not just to recognize God’s goodness but to reflect it. Galatians 5:22-23 lists goodness as a fruit of the Spirit. This means that as we walk in step with the Holy Spirit, goodness should be evident in our lives. But what does this look like practically?
First, it involves aligning our perspective with God’s. In Ephesians 5:8-9, Paul writes, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;).” As children of light, we’re called to see the world through the lens of God’s goodness, even when circumstances seem bleak.
Secondly, manifesting goodness means actively participating in God’s redemptive work in the world. In Romans 15:14, Paul commends the believers, saying, “And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” Our goodness should overflow in acts of kindness, mercy, and grace towards others, just as God has shown goodness to us.
It’s important to note that this goodness isn’t something we can manufacture on our own. In our flesh, there is no good thing (Romans 7:18). True goodness can only come as a fruit of the Spirit working in our lives. It’s a result of yielding to God’s word, allowing His character to shine through our actions and attitudes.
Reflecting on God’s goodness also provides a powerful antidote to bitterness and despair. When we face trials or witness the suffering in the world around us, it’s tempting to question God’s goodness. However, understanding that God’s goodness is an unchanging aspect of His character can anchor us in times of doubt.
The Psalmist often found solace in meditating on God’s goodness. In Psalm 27:13, David writes, “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” This hope in God’s goodness sustained him through periods of intense difficulty and danger.
Similarly, we can find comfort in knowing that God’s goodness is not dependent on our circumstances. Even when we don’t understand His ways, we can trust in His good character. As Romans 8:28 assures us, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
In conclusion, the goodness of God is not just a theological concept to be studied; it’s a transformative truth to be embraced and lived out. It challenges us to see the world differently, to respond to others with grace and kindness, and to trust God even when we don’t understand His ways.
As we navigate the complexities of life, let’s hold fast to the truth of God’s unwavering goodness. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate this fruit in our lives, becoming beacons of His goodness in a world that desperately needs it. May we, like the Israelites in 1 Kings 8:66, go forth “. . . unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people.”
In every circumstance, may we echo the words of the Psalmist: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8). For in recognizing and reflecting God’s goodness, we not only find deep joy and peace for ourselves but also become powerful witnesses to a watching world of the transformative power of God’s love and grace.
Pastor Bryan Ross
Grace Life Bible Church
Grand Rapids, MI
Friday, October 24, 2025
Resources For Further Study
71) Galatians 5:22 The Fruit of the Spirit, Part 7 (Goodness)