Tuesday, August 21, 2012

God's Goodness to All

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Gal. 5:22-23.

Some sublime evidences and brilliant reflections of this goodness of God may be seen in the works of Creation. Charles Spurgeon.

The photograph in this post--sunset over Canandaigua Lake in New York--is an example of God’s goodness to all. Even to those who reject even the notion of God, He gives good things. Yes, there is great darkness in every corner of the globe, even in this nation that many proclaim as “God’s country.” But, God is not the author of evil, He is the creator of good: “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).

But what does it mean to be good? The dictionary defines goodness as “benevolence.” The philosopher David Hume described the practice of benevolence thusly: “It is observed that a person's benevolence brings happiness to society. It is said that he endears himself more to his parents by this quality than by his relationship. His children feel that he uses his authority not for his benefit but for theirs. His friends sense his love for them. From him the hungry receive food, the naked clothing, the ignorant skill and the slothful industry. He cheers and sustains like the sun.”*

Just as God gives good gifts like beautiful sunsets to all, so the believer,  through the goodness and power of Jesus, should be imparting acts of kindness, grace and generosity to this hurting world, beginning with his own family and circle of influence. Our parents should experience our concern, our children should feel the warmth of our delight, our friends our affection and generous spirit, the world our energies to reduce suffering in some way.

How often I fail at demonstrating this level of goodness, and how often God shores me up with the tide of His grace. His love propels me to rely on His goodness, and not on any effort of my own. He alone gives the ability for good, and to do good.

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 3 John 1:11.

*http://www.livingphilosophy.org.uk/philosophy/David_Hume/on_Benevolence.htm

3 comments:

Tidbits of Torah said...

nice picture... come visit
Nefesh is the spirtual force which is the most inferior of the five elements of man’s form. Nefesh activates and is responsible for the functioning of the dimension of vitality. The dimension of vitality contains within it the cohesive force mentioned above in connection with the inanimate, the growth and sprouting force found in vegetation and the force described above as vitality found in animals. Thus man contains within him the qualities of the inanimate, vegetation and the animal. The element of nefesh is the spiritual force that brings the dimension of vitality into being and keeps it alive because such is the continual ratzon of the Creator. The Kabbalists determined that the liver symbolizes the nefesh and as such is described as the “dwelling place” of the nefesh.

Linda Maynard said...

Kerry...Such a beautiful picture ( did you take it?) I meant to mention a while ago that your daughter' picture was great!.and the pictures of your children the other day was such a great picture too.
You captured goodness well
Linda

Kerry Luddy said...

Hi Linda,
Yes, I took it on Canandaigua Lake, NY. Thank you!