The Goodness and Love of God
Romans 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection of the dead.
As we celebrate Easter, April 5th 2015, and each day forward, let us take time to thank our Lord and Savior for dying on the Cross, thereby paying our sin debt, HE ROSE AGAIN. This incomprehensible act of love for us all, provided THE ONLY means for our salvation unto eternal life.
Psalm 145:9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
God’s Goodness: His Mercy is Forever
God is a good God. But He has been misrepresented by some who do not know what they are talking about. How often, when bad things happen or when things are not going the way man wants them to go, God is blamed for it. Have you blamed God for something you did not like? Have you been mad at God over something? Let’s get this straight to start with, God is good. He is good to me and he is good to you! He is good to everyone, everywhere. However, we are not always good before God.
The Psalmist tells us that God offers mercy forever. This mercy is offered to everyone, everywhere. It is God’s desire to be merciful because he is good. God does not want any harm to come to you and me. His love and compassion for us is much greater than most people can understand, or comprehend. A general reading of the Bible let’s us see how God loves people: How he keeps warning them of the danger of sin by their disobedience. God knows everything, and he knows what will hurt us. His word has been given, to include many examples of people in the past, to tell of their mistakes. This is God’s warning to everyone not to make the same mistakes. But what do we generally do? Ignore, God’s word, thinking we know best, and that we can get by with any thing we want to do. Well, no one has gotten by yet. Thank God, today, there is mercy with the Lord! Why? Because he is a good God, and he wants to show you mercy. Repent of sin and trust Jesus as your savior! Then live for him, and you can ask God for some mercy if you need some.
God’s Goodness: Leads to Repentance
People often have problems and troubles that they would not have if they would get their lives right with their Creator, God. God brings, or allows troubles in our lives because he loves us so much. The heartaches and trials you may be experiencing today could very well be because of your attitude, your actions, or your thoughts. God wants you to be a better person. My friend, you and I can be better people. God is allowing things to enter into our lives to get our attention, desiring that we call upon him, and begin to live a godly life before him.
When life becomes bitter and difficult we began to wonder, what am I doing wrong that is causing me so much misery. We often have a tendency to examine ourselves and particularly if we are a person who has some church background in our lives. God wants us to see where we are wrong and repent of our sin. The sin of leaving God out of our lives is as terrible as the sins we allow in our lives.
You should always thank God for the blessings you have, such as food, clothes, shelter, and friends. You should also thank him for what you do not have that could be fatal, or more serious than what you are now facing. If you’re honest you will always find God is good and God is always for you.
God’s Goodness: He Will Be Near
Oh what a wonderful promise to anyone, if we are willing to repent of our sins! No matter what they are, God is willing to forgive, and be near to us. God wants to fellowship with you and I so much. It is the longing of the heart of God to be near to us, and for us to enjoy loving and serving him. The truth is, this is why we were given our lives. So that we might know God, and one day live with him forever. He wants to show us his glory, and he desires that we enjoy him and his blessings forever.
The reason so many people are miserable today is because they are out of fellowship with their Creator. Many have rejected Jesus. Others, who do believe in him, have drifted into sin and have lost the joy of the Lord. Because God loves us so much he tells us if we will confess our sin and began to live as we should, we could then enjoy his presence and blessings, once again.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9
Most people assume that a good life is doing what they want to do. They do not understand that they are accountable to God and that God has a plan for their lives. Do you understand that God has a plan for your life? God wants a personal relationship with you and me. The Bible says, “Draw nigh to God...”. You see, it is man that must draw nigh to God. Sin has separated man from God. Man left God: God has not left man. No one will ever enjoy God in this life until they resolve the sin problem in their life.
From the very beginning of creation, even Adam had a sin problem, and he ran from God when he sinned. But of course, God knew exactly where he was. Man today, continues to run and hide from God thinking he does not see, or know. But there are no secrets that God does not know about. Yet, the goodness of God keeps attempting to reach rebellious man because he loves man so much. How Satan has deceived, and is still deceiving the human family.
People today work hard to have a nice home, automobile, and clothes, little realizing that God is going to give to all those who trust him a mansion, a glorious robe and life forever. Not only that, he will be with us forever in an intimate relationship we will never tire of.
God’s Goodness: To Those That Trust Him
Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
God is a father to his people and we are his children. Everyone in the world is not a child of God, contrary to what many may believe. God is the creator of all people and all people are of one race, made up of many ethnic groups. But God is no respecter of persons, and will save anyone who calls upon him. Has my reader called upon the Lord for salvation? It is the most important call you will ever make. Only those who call become God’s children.
When trouble comes to one of God’s children they can find that the Lord is good, and it is so great to trust in him at such a time. What joy to the heart of those who experience the goodness of the Lord God when trouble makes life fearful or miserable. Yes, even the most spiritual of God’s people will have a certain amount of trouble in this life. Even though we are Christians, we are not immune from many of the same trials that unsaved people experience. Because we are Christians, Satan will come against us in an effort to discourage us, or to cause us to doubt the goodness of our God. He is so subtle and deceptive, but he is a real enemy who opposes us. We do not have to fear him, because he is a defeated foe. God will give us the victory as we continue to trust him and live out the faith of our Lord and Savior.
How wonderful to have a place of safety, especially, when that safe place is the Living Eternal God of heaven. Let us not forget that we are being held in the Father’s hand and we are secure in him. Nothing, no nothing can harm us without the will of God allowing it into our lives, and that ultimately, it is only for our good, and his glory. WE CAN BELIEVE THAT! Listen to what the Psalmist had to say;
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8
Blessed, or happy is the person who trusts in the Lord, is what he is really saying.
God’s Goodness: His Truth to All Generations
Psalm 100:5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
What wonderful news to know that God’s truth, the Holy Scriptures, are true for all generations of people. Our Bible is the Word of God and it is for ever settled in heaven. The Word of God says over and over, that God is a good God. He loves people more than they can comprehend. It is the cross of Calvary that is the real proof of the love of God.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. John 17:17
Pilate, the man known for presiding over the trial of Jesus and ordering his crucifixion, standing before Jesus asked him, what is truth (John 18:37-38)? Pilate did not recognize truth as many today do not grasp what is true. God’s word is truth. The Bible is God breathed.
The Apostle Paul wrote; All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16
Today, we can learn about the goodness of God from his word. We can also enjoy the goodness of God in our lives by the peace, joy, comfort and hope he gives to us as we live for him. Very often we can experience the blessings that come to us as we daily live out our lives, if only we would pay attention to his intervention, and care for us.
My friend, do you ever wonder why your were born? Do you want to have peace with your Creator? Do you want to live forever? These are questions people have, and the answer to all of them are in God’s word. We have God’s word, so we can know of his goodness and love for us all, but first we must turn to him, and seek him with all our hearts. Life can be different, and blessed with the reality of the Lord in our lives if we are willing to confess our sin and trust the Lord Jesus as our savior. Yes, God is good and gives everyone the opportunity to love and serve him.
Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 106:1
God’s Goodness: Eternal Life is FREE!
Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
Yes, what good thing shall I do? This is what “religions” are all about, promising people better futures based on what they do. Sad to say, most people believe them. No religion has ever given anyone anything beyond this life. True, they may give some benefits in this life, but that is it. Blessings beyond this life come only through our Lord Jesus Christ. These blessings are only for those who were saved.
The rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16 who came running to Jesus asking about eternal life thought he could do something to entitle him to it. That is the same promise of “religions.” “Things” one must do, like belong with them, then they promise you this, or that. But, it is a lie. Religions cannot, and do not give eternal life. Even the Jewish religion, the only religion God ever approved of never saved anyone, not even Moses. Why? Because, salvation is not by doing, it is by believing in the one savior God provided, his only Son. Religions do not take away sin. Religions do not make one right with God. Religions only may control the outward actions of a person, but can never change the heart. Man is a sinner and he needs a new heart.
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. John 3:7
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1Peter 1:23
Joining some organization, or living better does not make man right with God. Man is a sinner and he is separated from God who loves him and wants to forgive him. But God cannot forgive a person against their will. A person must desire God’s forgiveness. God is Holy and man is sinful and he’s sinned against his Creator. But God is willing to forgive on his conditions. God hates pride and man is a proud creature. He must humble himself before his Maker, and ask for forgiveness through Jesus, who paid for our sin.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 1Peter 5:6
Oh, how good God is, and he stands ready to forgive us at any moment. Have you asked the Lord to forgive you? Are you trusting him as your Savior? Are you living for him so he can bless you now, on this earth, and forever? Words cannot describe the glorious future that awaits all those who are wise enough to repent of their sin and live for Jesus now.
Father, we praise you and thank you for your goodness to us. The goodness of God is evident all around us. No one is excluded from your precious love. Lord help us share the good news of your love, and goodness to others that they may come to know you, and love you for who you truly are. This we pray in the Savior’s name. Amen. Preacher