This one is controversial. Goodness is so simple, it’s an adjective we use every day to describe the most mundane things. We use it as a general term of satisfaction, neither excellent, nor disappointing. Yet, when we talk about goodness and God, at least in the church, it suddenly takes on a very different tone. Only God is good, says the Bible. We sing passionate, emotional, and theologically weighty worship songs about “the Goodness of God.” So, what is goodness? What’s the big deal? Can we be good?
The Goodness of God - Amy Green
Anchor Texts:
Psalm 100:5 NIV - For the LORD is good and his love
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV - But the fruit of the Spirit is
Matthew 5:13-20 NIV - Salt and Light
Genesis 1:31 NIV - God saw all that he had made
Questions to Ponder:
What does it mean for God to be “good”? Review Psalm 100:5. Does a song or bible verse come to mind?
What does it mean for humans to be “good”? Review Genesus 1:31, all of vv.26-31 will help)
How does one become good today?
There are two main words we talked about that are translated as “good” in our english Bibles.
a. Agathos refers to the __________ of goodness.
b. Kalos refers to the ____________ of goodness.
Answers: 4. source, effect