Is God Really Good?

Today, we delve into a profound question that has been the cornerstone of our recent sermon series, "Good God Almighty."

This week, we explored the question: "Is God really good?"

Let's break down the key points and insights from the sermon to help you understand and reflect on God's goodness.

A.W. Tozer once said, "The most important thing about you is what you think about when you think about God." This statement sets the stage for our exploration. How you perceive God influences every aspect of your life, from your relationships to your career, and even your response to pain and suffering.

This is the central question to tackle. If you were to place God on a spectrum from angry and not good to really, really good, where would He fall? If there's any gap, why is it there? Understanding God's goodness is crucial for a deeper relationship with Him.

God is not hiding. He has revealed Himself through scriptures and continues to do so. Jeremiah 29:13 says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." If you're not finding God, it's worth asking if the issue lies with you rather than Him.

In Exodus 33:18, Moses, who had witnessed God's miracles, asked, "Now show me your glory." God's response was profound: "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you." God's glory is His goodness. Every thought, action, and word from God is inherently good.

God describes Himself as "compassionate and gracious" (Exodus 34:6). Compassion means God sees your struggles and His heart goes out to you. Grace means He gives you what you don't deserve. His mercy withholds what you do deserve.

God is "slow to anger," meaning it takes a lot to make Him angry. Unlike human anger, which is immediate and often vengeful, God's anger is righteous and slow to manifest.

God's love is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast commitment. He is "abounding in loyal love and faithfulness," meaning His love and faithfulness never waver.

God forgives iniquity (our inherent bent towards sin), rebellion (our willful disobedience), and sin (our general failure to meet His standards). He picks up our sins and carries them away, allowing us to have a relationship with Him.

Understanding God's goodness should transform how we live. Here are some questions to reflect on this week:

1. Do you truly believe that God is good, even in the midst of your struggles?
2. How does your perception of God's goodness influence your daily decisions and interactions?
3. Are there areas in your life where you need to trust God's goodness more fully?

This week, challenge yourself to see every situation through the lens of God's goodness. When faced with difficulties, remind yourself that God is inherently good and that His actions towards you are always rooted in His goodness.

God's goodness is the foundation of His character. He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loyal love, and faithful. He forgives our iniquities, rebellions, and sins, demonstrating His profound goodness. As you go through this week, let the knowledge of God's goodness transform your life and deepen your trust in Him.

Thank you for joining us in exploring this vital aspect of God's character. We hope this has been enlightening and encouraging. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out to info@thebridge.me