Living in the Garden of Grace - God is Good
When asked why Jesus came to earth, many would answer, “To die for our sins.” While this is gloriously true, it’s not the whole story. In Living in the Garden of Grace, David Kuykendall draws our attention to another essential reason for Jesus’ coming: to reveal the heart of the Father and to declare His goodness. This truth deepens our understanding of God and reminds us that His goodness flows through every aspect of His nature and His relationship with us.
Jesus Declared the Father
In John 1:18, we read, “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” The word “declared” here means “explained” or “made known.” Jesus’ life and ministry were a living, breathing demonstration of the Father’s heart. Through His words, actions, and character, Jesus showed us exactly what God is like.
Jesus said in John 5:17, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” He also declared in John 14:10, “The Father who dwells in Me does the works.” Everything Jesus did—His acts of love, healing, and teaching—was the Father’s work, revealed through the Son.
Peter summed it up beautifully in Acts 10:38: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good.” Jesus’ ministry was a reflection of God’s goodness. Every miracle, every healing, every word of compassion pointed back to this foundational truth: God is good.
God’s Goodness Revealed in Us
Not only does Jesus reveal the goodness of the Father, but God desires to fill us with His goodness as well. This is not something we achieve through effort or striving; it is a work of the Holy Spirit within us. Galatians 5:22 reminds us that “the fruit of the Spirit is… goodness.” When we walk in step with the Spirit, God’s goodness flows through us, impacting the world around us just as it did through Jesus.
This truth is incredibly freeing. We don’t have to manufacture goodness on our own. Instead, we simply yield to the indwelling Spirit of Christ, who manifests His goodness in and through us. As we abide in Him, His life becomes our life, and His goodness becomes evident in our actions, words, and attitudes.
Resting in the Goodness of God
In a world that often feels harsh and broken, the truth of God’s goodness is a refuge for our souls. Jesus came not only to save us but to remind us that our God is good, loving, and kind. This goodness is not something distant or abstract; it is personal, tangible, and accessible through the indwelling Spirit.
Living in the garden of grace means living in the reality of God’s goodness. It means trusting that the Father’s intentions toward us are always rooted in His love and His desire for our best. It also means allowing His goodness to overflow from our lives, blessing those around us.
A Prayerful Reflection
Lord, we thank You for the goodness You revealed through Jesus. Thank You for showing us the heart of the Father, full of love and compassion. Fill us with Your Spirit so that Your goodness may flow through our lives, drawing others to You. We rest in the truth that You are good, and we trust Your goodness in all things. Amen.
Walking in the Garden of Grace
As we go about our day, let’s remember that God’s goodness is not just something we experience—it’s something we embody as His children. May our lives reflect the goodness of the One who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. And as we walk in His grace, may we continually point others to the One who is good, faithful, and true.