There’s a story about a lady who had gone through a terrible life experience. Amid her anger, grief and confusion, her pastor said to her, ”I want you to remember this: God is good, the devil is evil. Do not confuse the two.”

After ‘God is love’, perhaps the next most familiar phrase is ‘God is good’. And rightly so. Both the Bible and the experience of God’s people through the ages testify to this truth. For example: “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him” (Nah 1:7), and “How abundant are the good things that You have stored up for those who fear You, that You bestow in the sight of all on those who take refuge in You” (Psa 31:19).

God’s goodness is His moral perfection and beauty. It’s what makes Him excellent and worthy of our deepest thanks. Jesus Himself claims to be the good shepherd. And how does He show His goodness? By giving His life for the sake of His sheep (John 10:11). There’s nothing beautiful (let alone good!) about the brutality and inhumanity of the crucifixion. Yet that evil is the very means that God uses to display His goodness to us.

As His followers, Jesus desires that we share His divine and precious goodness with others. Paul writes, “The fruit of the Spirit is … goodness” (Gal 5:22-23). The Christian life should be cruciform (cross-shaped), in that it is shaped by what Jesus has done for us, and shown in how we treat others.

Reflection:

• How does the goodness of Jesus reframe the way you see and treat others, especially those you find difficult to love?
• How does the goodness of Jesus reshape the way you think about and pray to God?

This devotion is sent weekly to staff during school terms. It has been lightly edited for a general audience.