What is the goodness of God?

from the old testament

• God is good. There is no evil in God. He is holy and just, and there is no unrighteousness in Him (Psalm 92:15).
• God’s ways are perfect, and His works are good (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 18:30).
• God always does what is right, and the outcome of His plan is always good (Genesis 50:20).
• God is holy, righteous, and pure, without any trace of sin or evil (Psalm 99:9; Isaiah 6:3).
• Because God is good, everything He does is good (Psalm 119:68). Everything He created was very good (Genesis 1:31).
• God’s goodness leads to provision, both for believers and unbelievers: “The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made” (Psalm 145:9).
• Psalm 100:5 says, “The LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
• Psalm 34:8 invites us to taste and see that He is good. There is good for those who trust in Him.
• We are called to do good (Psalm 119:68) and to give thanks because God is good (1 Chronicles 16:34).

from the new testament

• God's nature is pure, and He cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone (James 1:13).
• God’s nature is good, and He is the source of all that is good (James 1:17).
• There is nothing unpleasant, evil, or dark in God. He is light, and in Him there is no darkness (1 John 1:5).
• God’s goodness leads us to repentance: “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)
• God’s goodness is seen in salvation. Titus 3:4–5 says, “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us.” In His goodness, God sent His Son to take our place so that in Him our sins can be forgiven and we can be in full relationship with God (Ephesians 1:3–14; 2:1–10).
• God’s goodness in salvation includes God giving us His Holy Spirit who indwells us and will be with us forever (John 14:18; Romans 8:9–17). He helps us know, love, and obey God (John 14:15–17; Romans 8:26–30; Philippians 2:12–13), and as a result experience true life in Him (John 10:10; 14:21; 15:1–17).
• God’s goodness assures us that He works all things for our good for those who are His (Romans 8:28).

implications for today

In a world where we sin, face constant temptations, and see the devastating effects of sin and death, understanding God’s goodness stands in stark contrast. We can know God’s goodness and walk in His good ways. God’s character is perfect—holy, righteous, and always good (Psalm 119:68). His goodness offers us hope, assurance, and the reminder that He remains untouched by evil or corruption. He is faithful. He will always do what is good on our behalf. We need not fear that He will deceive us or do something to harm us. He forgives us and loves us. He reveals Himself to us and helps us to know the truth. He purposefully and relentlessly pursues us, calling us back to Him, when we sin. His plans for us are rooted in His love and aimed at our ultimate good, even when we don’t fully understand the challenges we face (Psalm 27:13–14; Romans 8:28). This goodness of God is what we are called to taste and see. Once we have experienced His goodness, we are called to walk in His ways and experience the good that comes from it. We are also compelled to share the truth of His goodness with the world, offering hope to those lost in darkness and pointing them to the light of His goodness.