Part 3: Are You A Good Person?

In the previous two blogs, we’ve looked at how the word “good” is used in the Bible.

We learned that, for something to be good, it must fulfill a purpose.

Then, it must be the result of a moral decision – a choice of right over wrong, good over evil.

Finally, we will see that, for something to be good, there must be a positive result or a benefit. That benefit will be something from the Lord that is useful or that promotes our well-being.

Deuteronomy 30:15 is an example of this:

See I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity.

The word prosperity in this verse is the Hebrew word “good.”

When God is speaking to the Children of Israel He is saying, Choose me and you will live a good life. There are benefits in following my way.

Of course, the highest benefit of following the Lord is salvation and an eternity with God the Father.

Another example is in the book of Nehemiah. The Old Testament prophet details Israel’s history before the people when he says in Nehemiah 9:25:

They captured cities and a fertile land. They took possessions of houses full of every good thing, hewn cisterns, vineyards, olive groves, fruit trees in abundance. So they ate, were filled and grew fat, and reveled in Your great goodness.

The people had seen the goodness of the Lord.

The goodness here, and the houses full of every good thing, are the Lord’s salvation and provision. He loves His children and wants the best for them.

If you choose good, there will always be a benefit from the Lord.

Finally, Romans 15:14 says:

And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.

Goodness in this passage means “knowledge of God” and the ability to teach that to others.

By understanding God, they were able to benefit one another by teaching of His great goodness and ability to save.

There is a great set of verses in Galatians that can sum up this set of articles. Galatians 6:7-10 states:

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Goodness. We see it when God’s people fulfill their purpose, live the moral life Christ has for them, and reap the benefits of God’s goodness poured out on them.