I was taught to pray, “God is Great, God is Good!” We sing and pray about it. Paul identified the “goodness of God” as a motivational factor in repentance (Romans 2:4). David said, “For the Lord is good, His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 100:5). What involves God’s Goodness?
God Is Infinitely Good
Infinity is the term used to describe something that cannot be counted or measured, and God is certainly limitless and immeasurable (2 Chronicles 2:5-6; Psalm 145:3; Jeremiah 23:24). God is good because this is His nature, and He is the standard of moral right. Yet, He also allows evil to exist. He is not the source or promoter of evil; He is the everlasting giver and demonstrator of goodness. His goodness is demonstrated by giving Jesus as the sacrifice for sin (1 Corinthians 5:7).
God Is Intrinsically Good
Intrinsic is the term used to describe something that is good-in-itself (i.e., good by itself). Thus, intrinsic good is good for its own sake alone; it is not a means to an end. It stands alone as being good, needing no aid or assistance. God’s “goodness” cannot be measured by human standards. It is so perfect and composed of so many numerous and diverse features or facets that it cannot be altered by outside forces. His “goodness” is eternal (Exodus 33:19; 34:5-6; Psalm 27:13; Matthew 19:17). God stands alone in supreme goodness.
God Is Instrumentally Good
Instrumental is the term used to describe something that leads to some other good (i.e., education leads to success; money leads to retirement, etc.). Outwardly, the goodness of God leads to humility, unity and service (Philippians 2:1-4). Inwardly, the goodness of God leads to His riches, forbearance and patience (Romans 2:4). David said, “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13). Thus, God’s goodness fortifies our hearts, souls, minds and strength to focus on eternity, not on the pleasures of this world (Colossians 3:1-4).
Conclusion
The stanzas of an old refrain say, “God is so good; He’s so good to me.” We can all sing this song because He is good to all of us personally, in ways that meet our specific and individual needs. The provision of salvation is the great manifestation of God’s Goodness, so that we can truly say, “God is Good – All the time!”
