Your Daily Devotional for September 26, 2007

 

September 26,  2007

 

 

The Goodness of God

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

 

Galatians 5:22-23

 

 

Charles Spurgeon and his wife, according to a story, would sell, but refused to give away the eggs their chickens laid. Even close relatives were told, "You may have them if you pay for them." As a result, some people labeled the Spurgeons as greedy and grasping.

 

They accepted the criticisms without defending themselves, and only after Mrs. Spurgeon died was the full story revealed. All the profits from the sale of eggs went to support two elderly widows. Because others did not see the whole picture, the Spurgeons endured the attacks in silence.

 

Many times, we may not see the big picture in how God is working in our lives, but we must trust Him and know that all things work together for good. There are times in every relationship when things will test our commitment to each other and to God. Yet God has provided a way for us to resist these temptations and ignore the devil. He has offered us His Spirit to help. He desires that as we look to His Spirit for help, we would bear the fruit of goodness through our relationships.

 

Goodness has been defined as "uprightness of heart and life; virtue equipped and ready at every point." There are various ways people interpret the word good. To some it involves anything that increases their pleasure. Something is said to be good if it entertains. Some say knowledge is good. They say if we can increase knowledge of good, there will be no evil. But knowing what is good has never guaranteed that we would do it! For some, having things is goodness. They call it "the good life." Also, some equate good with not doing certain things. "I didn't eat chocolate—I was good!" But God defines goodness as being holy and righteous in what we do. He desires that we would have pure hearts, ready to serve Him.

 

Sometimes it may be difficult to know how to display goodness in our lives, but we must look to God as our example. We can see His goodness in three areas. First, God works for our good. Romans 8:28 says, "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." Everything that comes into our lives is appointed by God. He knows every blessing, trial, and situation we go through, and He works through it for our good!

 

Second, we see His goodness through His blessings. James 1:17 says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." Everything we have is from God! He has blessed us so much through His goodness.

 

Last, we see God's goodness through His mercy. God, in His goodness and mercy, sent His Son to die for us on Calvary. What greater display of His goodness than to give His only Son for sinners!

 

God is good to us in all He does. Whether it's through His working in our lives, His blessings, or His mercy, our Lord displays His goodness to each of us. We must look to Him as our example and display our goodness to others in all we do.

 

How are you displaying goodness to those around you? Are you following Christ's example? Our goodness toward others is not based on their actions toward us, but on our love for God. Spend time with God right now and ask Him to help you show His goodness to others today.

 

 

 

Daily Bible Reading

Isaiah 1-2 • Galatians 5

 

 

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