Word Power
# 6 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.