"O How Great His Goodness Is!"-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 described 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) Not that response may strike you as puzzling. Why would Jesus correct the man?  Was not Jesus, in fact, a "Good Teacher"? 

Next time: "O How Great His Goodness Is!"-Conclusion of An Outstanding Facet of Divine Love 

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah