Words and Goodness

We talked about the importance of us believing God’s Word, and that it can even keep us from harm, like stepping in a hole. Now, I want to talk about another underlying characteristic of God’s Word, and that is the goodness of God. Here again, you might ask, what’s this got to do with words, or word power? And again, I say, everything! We must believe in His goodness, otherwise we miss the heart of God when we talk about His Word, our words, and the power of His and our words.

I always get excited when I think about the fact that God’s Glory is His Goodness! Just think! His Glory, which we equate with ultimate power and perfection, is Goodness! In Exodus 33:18-23, Moses said to God, “Show me Your Glory.” Then God said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the Name of the Lord before you.” God allowed Moses to see His back because that is all the glory or goodness Moses could see and still live. Also, in Exodus 34:5-7, God declares Goodness as part of His Name. His essence, name, and character is goodness. God’s goodness is that powerful!

Goodness is also listed in Galatians 5:20 as one of the fruits of the Spirit. And then it says, “against such there is no law.” Think about it. There is no law against goodness, speaking good things, doing good things! Since God created us in His image, that same goodness resides in us, whether or not we acknowledge it or live by it. Jesus said in Matthew 12:35, “A good man out of the good treasure of His heart brings forth good things.” God’s goodness is in His Word, is His Word. His Words are good! When we put the good Word of God into our hearts, we are able to bring good treasure out of our own hearts.

God’s goodness shows up in other ways, too. Romans 2:4 says, “Do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads to repentance?” It is God’s goodness, not His wrath, which leads us to repentance. When we do or say something wrong or hurtful, someone’s wrath only ignites more anger in us. But God comes along and forgives and is good to us, which in turns melts our hearts and causes us to repent, and be restored into fellowship with Him. That’s true power!

James 1:17 goes on to tell us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no shadow of turning.” God, out of the goodness of His heart and nature, gives us good and perfect gifts. All the good things that happen and that people do and say are good and perfect gifts from God above.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man (and woman) of God may be completely, thoroughly furnished for every good work.” Did you notice the good work? God’s goodness gives us good words so we can think and speak good words, and carry out His good work. Everyone benefits when good comes into their lives. When the Word of God comes into people’s lives, they are changed! That’s power!

Philippians 4:8 says, “ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things.” We are to think on the good things!

Before we talk about our words and thoughts, we need to understand the motivation of God in telling us what to say and think and do! It is because of His goodness that He gives us instruction and tells us to pay attention to His Word. He is endeavoring to see good and not evil triumph in our lives. He also wants to equip us to do every good work. We carry His Name of Goodness in us to speak and do good things.