The Goodness of God: A Foundation of Faith
“Do good in Thy good pleasure unto us, O Lord. Act toward us not as we deserve but as it becomes Thee, being the God Thou art. So shall we have nothing to fear in this world or in that which is to come.” – A.W. Tozer
The goodness of God is not just a comforting thought—it is the very foundation of our faith and relationship with Him. In Chapter 16 of Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer explores this essential attribute of God, showing how His goodness shapes our understanding of grace, prayer, repentance, and salvation itself.
What Is the Goodness of God?
When we say God is good, it encompasses more than moral uprightness or justice. Tozer defines God's goodness as His natural disposition to be kind, benevolent, and tenderhearted. It is His loving inclination to bestow blessings and to delight in the well-being of His creation.
This goodness is infinite, eternal, and unchanging. It is not dependent on our merit, nor does it waver based on circumstances. Whether we are just or unjust, His goodness extends to us because it originates from His very nature.
Scriptural Evidence:
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)
God’s Goodness in Action
Tozer emphasizes that God's goodness is the driving force behind every blessing we receive. Creation itself sprang from His goodness, as did redemption through Christ. Even His willingness to hear and answer our prayers stems not from obligation but from His desire to do good to His children.
In Redemption: God’s goodness moved Him to send His Son to rescue a rebellious humanity. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
In Repentance: Repentance is not a merit we offer to earn God's favor—it is a response to His goodness. "Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4)
To Fear and Not Be Afraid
Tozer touches on the paradox of God's greatness and goodness. His greatness inspires awe, but His goodness draws us close. While His majesty might cause us to tremble, His loving nature reassures us.
This dynamic is beautifully illustrated in the parable of the Prodigal Son. The rebellious son feared judgment but was met with open arms by a father overflowing with goodness. Similarly, when we come to God with a contrite heart, we find Him to be merciful and kind, as Jesus demonstrated during His earthly ministry.
Key Reflection:
God is as Jesus revealed Him to be: merciful to the penitent, generous to the self-condemned, and gentle to the weak.
Living Under a Friendly Sky
Tozer highlights that embracing God’s goodness transforms our outlook on life. When we believe we dwell under a "friendly sky," it reshapes our understanding of trials, blessings, and our relationship with the Creator.
Faith in His Goodness: Faith is not about earning God's favor but trusting His inherent goodness. This trust dispels fear and invites us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.
Practical Application: We can live in peace and assurance, knowing that His goodness governs every detail of our lives.
Reflection Questions
How does believing in God's unchanging goodness affect the way you view Him?
In what areas of your life do you need to trust in His goodness more fully?
How can you reflect God’s goodness to those around you?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your infinite goodness that welcomes us into Your presence with grace and mercy. May we trust fully in Your kind and benevolent character, finding rest in the truth that You delight in blessing us and drawing us closer to You. Let our lives reflect this goodness to others, leading them to the joy of knowing You as the God who is tenderhearted and ever-faithful. In Jesus' name, amen.
A Final Thought
God's goodness is the bedrock of our faith and hope. It assures us that, despite our failings, He delights in extending grace and blessing. As Tozer reminds us, this goodness invites us to draw near without fear, trusting that His heart toward us is always kind and His plans for us are always good. Let us walk in this truth, living as children secure in the arms of a loving Father.