July Publisher’s LETTER
It was a defining moment. Though I’d been a Christian for years, the question loomed in my mind for days. “Do you believe in the goodness of God?”
The pastor even made the statement that if in all of our Biblical knowledge and years of study we still doubted the “goodness” of God in our own lives, we needed to go back to Christianity 101. It is the foundation of all other beliefs.
We struggle with that belief because of the bad things that happen in our lives or those of our loved ones. “If God is good, why did He allow this to happen?” While a valid question, we must believe that He is at work in all circumstances, both good and bad to bring about His will.
What is goodness?” In Galatians 5, Paul lists the fruits of the spirit. As the Holy Spirit works in our lives, our character changes. Where we had harbored selfishness, cruelty, rebelliousness, and spite, we now possess love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and selfcontrol. Everything in the list reflects the character of God, and goodness is one that relates directly to morality.
Bad things have happened in my life and yours. Bad things have happened to people I love. That has caused heartache and I’ve cried out to God, asking “why?” Sometimes I get a glimpse of understanding, yet in many situations I can simply lift those concerns to the throne of grace and choose to trust God to bring about something that brings Him glory.
It’s easy to see God’s goodness in the lives of others. Yet behind every door is a story; a mom on her knees, a father praying for guidance, or a family in turmoil. We all need grace. We all need healing. We all need direction. We all need God.
Is God good? Yes! He is goodness. He is forgiveness. He is grace. He is redemption. He is healing. He is wisdom. He is Love. He is savior and Lord. He is good. Let Him have your heart and teach you about His goodness in your life and how you are to be goodness in your world.
Why? Because God is good.
Baton Rouge Christian Life MAGAZINE
ADVERTISERS
