Does God’s Goodness Depend on My Behavior?

Psa. 86:5    For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive,

And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon Thee.  

I was praying through some characteristics of God yesterday and was thankful that God doesn’t choose to love us or forgive us or bless us with any of his character qualities because of our behavior.  He gives himself to all who ask.

 

He isn’t faithful or gracious to us because we are good – or just when we are good.

He loves us and forgives us, gives grace, shows mercy, and on and on because that is who God is –

He IS love,

He IS goodness,

He IS compassion,

He IS forgiveness,

He IS grace,

He IS mercy – and so much more. . .

-and he bestows all of his characteristics on anyone who seeks him and asks (calls upon Him).

Permanently. Not temporarily like I might forgive, or show sympathy or empathy or kindness for another for a moment in time, or sometimes. over and over because, let’s face it, I am not capable of being good all the time. But God IS.

Pretty cool to think God is not only good when He feels like it, (or when He does something I see); God doesn’t only love when I “feel” that love; God isn’t only compassionate when He does what I hope He will do or give what I think I need, but God is good – all the time because he cannot be any other way!

God IS goodness.

This deeper step of understanding of God — I AM —gives new depth to the words of this song:

 

God is good all the time

He put a song of praise in the heart of mine

God is good all the time

Through the darkest night, His light will shine

God is good, God is good all the time

 

God is good all the time

He put a song of praise in the heart of mine

God is good all the time

Through the darkest night, His light will shine

God is good, God is good all the time

 

If you’re walking through the valleys 

And there are shadows all around

Do not fear, He will guide you

He will keep you safe and sound

He has promised to never leave you

Nor forsake you, and His word is true

 

God is good all the time

He put a song of praise in the heart of mine

God is good all the time

Through the darkest night, His light will shine

God is good, God is good all the time

 

We are sinners and so unworthy

Still for us He chose to die

Filled us with His Holy Spirit

Now we can stand and testify

That His love is everlasting

And His mercies, they will never end

 

God is good all the time

He put a song of praise in the heart of mine

God is good all the time

Through the darkest night, His light will shine

God is good, God is good all the time

 

Though I may not understand

All the plans you have for me

My life is in your hands

And through the eyes of faith

I can clearly see that

 

God is good all the time

He put a song of praise in the heart of mine

God is good all the time

Through the darkest night, His light will shine

God is good, God is good all the time

. . . all the time

Mal. 3:6 “For I, the LORD, do not change…“

 

Amen?