It was my observation while creating this essay that I smiled a lot. The goodness of God is an amazing theme to consider. Yet it is difficult to find the language to define what it means for us.

In a world of troubles — learning God is kind, cordial, benevolent, and full of good will towards his creation — is remarkably peaceful. Elohim is extremely tenderhearted; he is full of sympathy. In his goodness he presents a strong cheerful outlook, which is frank (respectful) and friendly. Imagine a world leader taking the time to help you clean your backyard, cook dinner for you, and help your children with their homework – all without us asking for help. This is God’s nature. He is inclined to be helpful.

Blessings follow Elohim wherever he hangs out. If we accept the fact that Elohim is always in all places, blessings happen everywhere all the time. He takes extreme pleasure filling our life with blessings from him. His goodness is the force behind all our blessings. If God was not the definition of goodness, I doubt we would be able to see a distinction between kindness and cruelty, mercy and justice, or love and hate.

Psalms 100:5 says — For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations [NIV]. Goodness is for all people, God’s goodness is infinite, perfect, eternal, has always been present in God. His immutable nature means his goodness never varies. He will never be more good than he is now, he will never be less good than he is now. He does not have favorites; he brings the sun and the rain to all of us. The cause of his goodness is found in his essence. His goodness is offered to all without regard to compensation (reward for good behavior).

James 3:17 says — wisdom that comes from heaven is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere [NIV]. Goodness of God is not based upon human conduct, not even in the most pure or best conduct. Rather, goodness is based upon God’s actions, God’s wisdom offered freely to all.

Isaiah 41:13 says — For I am the Lord your God [who] takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you [NIV]. Goodness overcomes fear. Sin brings us to a timid and self-conscious state of mind. We have a history of rebellion against God that drives fear. We are conditioned to embrace the fear rather than the blessings from God. We find it difficult to trust the goodness and kindness of God; we are unsure that the past will not be held against us. What do we do?

Psalms 145:8-9 says – The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made [NIV]. God’s goodness is absolute. Jesus walked on earth that He might show us the true nature of God. He taught us about the Goodness of God. From Jesus we learn how God acts toward people. Our penitent hearts encounter God’s mercy and goodness; the crushed will find His kindness overwhelming. The frightened will find shelter and forgiveness; for the lonely, they will find companionship.

The goodness of God is infinite, an overflowing font, yet God will never force His hand upon us. When we arrive as the prodigal, the feast is put into motion. The legalists slink about, seeking to disable this goodness offered, but the Father — he smiles as we enter his gates. The greatness of God brings respect, the goodness of God brings peace. We feel accepted. We fear (respect) God but are not afraid of God because of his goodness – this paradox is one of the deep mysteries of our faith.

I choose Jesus.