The Goodness, Understanding and Love of God

Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! Psalms 31:19

He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. Psalms 33:5

Who could deny the goodness of God? The evidence is everywhere; Supplying our needs, providing for our resources and making them available to us, giving men the talents and abilities to harness them for our good. God's goodness is not limited to talents, resources and opportunities, but is powerfully expressed in the provision of a Savior to pay our sin debt. That is the ultimate goodness of God revealed.

Even God's constant dealing with us shows his goodness. Everything he does is for our best interest. His goodness is extended to us even though we are undeserving. We do not look at God's goodness in that way. We think we are deserving, especially because of who we are. However, if man really saw himself in his real condition, he would better understand God's goodness.

God's goodness is further seen in his understanding. He understands us completely.

But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. Jeremiah 9:24

He knows and sees our present state. He is a good God who understands and has proven himself to us; A good God who understands what sin has done to the human family. He knows of our depravity and our helplessness. God knows why we live as we do. He also knows that only His wisdom and power afford us any hope. In our present condition, God can not accept us. Spiritually blind men cannot understand; Failing to see his holiness, men fail to see that sin has separated God from the human family. Some seem to have the idea that God can overlook our sinful state. That he can accept us because he is our Creator. Let not anyone forget, God did not make man a sinner. Man became a sinner because of his disobedience to God in the very beginning. Adam, the first man, when tested, willingly disobeyed God by eating forbidden fruit.

And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. Genesis 3:10-13

God did not accept the angels who sinned against Him. In fact, he never even offered to provide for their forgiveness and salvation. Even this shows us the goodness of God and His being willing to forgive us through the death of His only son.

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

God has dealt with the human family by grace alone. The grace of God simply means that He has given us undeserved favor. We do not merit this favor in any way. We are completely unworthy of His goodness to us. Yet, in our sinful condition he was willing to deal with us in such a good and understanding manner. God knew what it would take to rescue us from our sins. There was only one way to take care of the sin problem. Only in this way would God be satisfied. It would require the death of man to pay for sin. Because all men were sinful, no one was able to be the sacrifice for sin and pay that debt. Therefore, what God demanded, He provided by giving His only son as a substitute for sin in our place.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

In all of this is demonstrated the love of God and how far it reaches, from heaven to earth to save men from their sins. Sin condemns men but it seems that only a few realize this. Yes, God has openly displayed his love for all the world to see at Calvary. There, God's only son the Lord Jesus Christ died in our place for our redemption. How blessed is the human family by God's goodness, understanding and love!

Father our prayer is that You Bless those who read this. I pray they will seek You today. Amen. Preacher