God’s Unchanging Goodness
Misunderstanding God’s Nature
Many believers mistakenly think God is good at times and bad at others. This misunderstanding often stems from a misinterpretation of the Old Testament. However, God’s nature is consistent, and a proper study of the Bible reveals His unwavering goodness.
Assurance of God’s Goodness
To fully trust in God’s goodness:
- Be assured of His nature.
- When you know God is good, you can resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
David’s Understanding of God:
David, called a man after God’s own heart, recognized God’s enduring mercy and tender nature:
- Psalm 106:1 – “Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
- 1 Chronicles 16:24 – “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
How to Recognize God’s Goodness
Look to Christ for the clearest picture of God’s nature:
- 1 John 5:20 – “The Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true.”
- Mark 10:18 – “There is none good except God.”
While human behavior fluctuates, God’s goodness remains steadfast. He is wholly good and works only for our benefit.
God’s Goodness Demonstrated
- In John 9:1-3, Jesus explains that a man’s blindness was not caused by sin but was an opportunity to reveal God’s works. This illustrates that God’s goodness is not contingent on human actions.
- Acts 10:38 – “Jesus of Nazareth went around doing good and healing all who were under the devil’s power, because God was with Him.”
- Evil originates from the devil, not God.
- God’s goodness flows naturally from His love.
Dispelling Lies About God’s Nature
The devil tries to convince us that good and evil coexist in God, but this is false.
- James 3:9-10 teaches that just as blessing and cursing should not coexist in our speech, good and evil cannot coexist in God.
- God’s character is to bless, never harm. He does not misuse His power to oppress but lovingly corrects us when we falter.
David’s Trust in God’s Goodness:
In 2 Samuel 24:13-15, when faced with punishment for his sin, David chose to fall into God’s hands, trusting in His mercy rather than human judgment.
God’s “Consuming Fire” Misunderstood
The phrase “our God is a consuming fire” in Exodus 24:15 refers to God’s tender mercies, which protect us from judgment. God’s actions are always for our benefit, and He takes no pleasure in human suffering.
- James 1:16-17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above.”
- God is light, with no darkness, and His plans are always for our good:
- Jeremiah 29:11 – “Plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
God’s Kindness Leads to Repentance
Romans 2:4 – “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance.”
God’s love is constant and unconditional. It is His kindness, not hardship, that draws people to Him.
How to Enjoy God’s Goodness
- Believe in God’s Goodness:
Rest in the reality of His unwavering love and trust that He is always working for your benefit. - Hold Onto His Goodness When You Falter:
Like the prodigal son, return to God knowing His love and forgiveness are waiting. - Expect God’s Goodness:
Even in hard times, believe in His promise to reveal His goodness in your life. - Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning.”
- Psalm 27:13 – “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
Conclusion
What you believe about God shapes your experience of His goodness. Trust in His love, rest in His promises, and confidently expect to see His goodness in your life, both now and in eternity.