I was just thinking about the lyrics to CeCe Winans’ “The Goodness of God” and wanted to delve a litter deeper into just what is God’s goodness.

Webster’s Dictionary defines goodness as the quality of being morally good or virtuous.

Easton’s Bible Dictionary defines Goodness of God as, “a perfection of his character which he exercises towards his creatures according to their various circumstances and relations (Psalms 145:8 Psalms 145:9; 103:8; 1 John 4:8). Viewed generally, it is benevolence; as exercised with respect to the miseries of his creatures it is mercy, pity, compassion, and in the case of impenitent sinners, long-suffering patience; as exercised in communicating favour on the unworthy it is grace. “Goodness and justice are the several aspects of one unchangeable, infinitely wise, and sovereign moral perfection. God is not sometimes merciful and sometimes just, but he is eternally infinitely just and merciful.” God is infinitely and unchangeably good (Zephaniah 3:17), and his goodness is incomprehensible by the finite mind (Romans 11: 35.36). “God’s goodness appears in two things, giving and forgiving.””

I would like to simplify that in saying, God’s goodness is providing us exactly what we need, when we need it, despite that fact that we are not deserving of his intervention. This does not mean that God is like some fabled “genie” on the spot who is standing at the ready to provide you with what you desire at the moment you desire it. Instead, it does mean is God is willing to extend to you what is needed to bring you to the place of completeness. Where we recognize his goodness, and our need for him. We understand we did not receive it because we have always done what is right. In fact, we see our own ugliness and perceive God’s goodness despite it.

Completeness is the quality of being whole or perfect and having nothing missing. This completeness is totally due to God’s goodness. It is not that we are perfect – without sin, but he has made us whole.

I look at Easton’s definition (and I would agree this is accurate), and I think of my life and the many times God has moved on my behalf. I can honestly say I did not deserve any of his goodness. But it is because he is “perfection in his character” that he looked beyond my faults and saw my needs (ah, the grace of God).

To truly get to know God’s character, we can look at the fruits of the spirit Galatians 5:22-23. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering (or patient), gentleness (or kindness), goodness, faith, meekness (or obedient), temperance (or self-control); against such there is no law.” We are to exhibit these same characteristics as we walk through our daily life. We show them to others in how we treat and respect them. We also show them in how we react, despite how they treat us. Just as God shows them to us, despite out own lack of worthiness.

As the song says God’s goodness if running after us. The scripture says in Psalms 23;6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” God is faithful and always ready to show his goodness toward us. The lyrics continue, “all my life you have been faithful, all my life you have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God.”

I do not own the rights to this song. But this song does speak to my heart. If you are like me and understand how often you fail God, it is a blessing to truly understand the goodness of God.

Thank God of his goodness and making me complete in him!!

Have a blessed day!! As always, we are here to pray with you. Please email us at: otp.ministry1@gmail.com.