An Outstanding Facet Of Divine Love

In many modern languages, "goodness" is a somewhat bland word. As revealed in the Bible, though, goodness is far from bland. Primarily, it refers to virtue and moral excellence. In a sense, then, we might say that goodness permeates Jehovah. All his attributes-including his power, his justice and his wisdom-are good through and through. Still, goodness might best be describes as an expression of Jehovah's love. Why?

Goodness is an active, outgoing quality. The apostle Paul indicated that in humans it is even more appealing than righteousness. (Romans 5:7) The righteous man can be counted on to adhere faithfully to the requirements of the law, but a good man does more. He takes the initiative, actively seeking ways to benefit others. As we shall see, Jehovah is certainly good in that sense. Clearly, such goodness springs from Jehovah's boundless love.

Jehovah is also unique in his goodness. Not long before Jesus died, a man approached him to ask a question, addressing him with the words "Good Teacher." Jesus replied: "Why do you call me good? Nobody is good, except one, God." (Mark 10:17, 18) Now, that response may strike you as puzzling. Why would Jesus correct the man? Was not Jesus, in fact, a "Good Teacher?"

Evidently, the man was using the words: "Good Teacher"as flattering to his heavenly Father, who is good in the supreme sense. (Proverbs 11:2) But Jesus was also affirming a profound truth. Jehovah alone is the standard for what is good. Only he has the sovereign right to determine what is good and what is bad. Adam and Eve, by rebelliously partaking of the tree of the knowledge of good and bad, sought to assume that right themselves. Unlike them, Jesus humbly leaves the setting of standards to his Father.

Moreover, Jesus knew that Jehovah is the source of all that is truly good. He is the Giver of "every good gift and every perfect present." (James 1:17) Let us examine how Jehovah's goodness is evident in his generosity.

Next time:Evidence Of Jehovah's Abundant Goodness

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002