The Lord is Good

The Lord is Good

“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5

It is a central theme of scripture: “The Lord is good and his love endures forever!”  From cover to cover the Bible reminds us that God is good.  He is loving and faithful. “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” (Psalm 145:9). He is “a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7). “The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.” (Psalm 33:5).

The scriptures resound with the goodness of God. But sometimes it’s easy to forget that because we live in such a sin-corrupted world. God gives us free will and he doesn’t just overrule the consequences of sin. Sin leads to brokenness and corruption. But just because brokenness exists it doesn’t mean that God is ok with it. He hates sin because it separates us from him and leads to brokenness. Miscarriages of justice anger God. When mercy and forgiveness are withheld it angers God. When we fail to do the good we know we ought to do, it displeases God.

Here’s what he said to through the prophet Zechariah: “These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord.” (8:16-17).

God’s goodness is the answer to the world’s brokenness. As his followers we should seek to be forces for good, promoting in the name of Jesus, kindness, love, compassion, patience, mercy, generosity, and the like, for then we will make a difference. And with these things God is pleased.

Have you thanked the Lord for his goodness?

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8)