THE GOODNESS OF GOD
It’s the GOODNESS of GOD!
Paul the Apostle, with the revelation of the Holy Spirit, shares these words in his letter to the Romans, Chapter 2, verse 4, “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?”
Sometimes before we truly consecrate ourselves and repent, we focus on our sins and feel bad about what we have done instead of receiving the forgiveness that God has given to us. While this is important and necessary to recognize where we’ve fallen short because the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin (John 16:8), God doesn’t want us to stay in that place. Why?
Could you imagine if Paul the Apostle reminded himself about how he used to arrest and kill Christians after his encounter with Jesus? He wouldn’t have been able to continue in the great and mighty things God had called him to do.
Although he referred to himself as “the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:5),” he says, “…forgetting the things behind, I press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:13)!
This is because he repented and turned from his wicked ways and fully embraced the forgiveness, grace, and mercy that only God can give.
When we realize that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8), we want to turn away from our sin, not just because there are consequences, but because we realize God loves us so much, we don’t want to hurt our relationship with Him. We break our intimacy and fellowship with the Father, and we begin to run away, just like Adam did in the garden.
When David murdered Uriah after having slept with his wife, Bathsheba, he went almost a whole year without repenting. He struggled not to think about it. This is a very depressing way to live because he was separated from God. He lived in torment. During his prayer, he confessed, “My sin is always before me” (Psalm 51:3).
But then he repented when he said, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7).
He continued, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit” (Psalm 51:10-12).
As a result, God forgave him, and David went on to become Israel’s greatest king.
Repentance is a key to intimacy. When you repent and focus on God’s goodness, nothing is standing in the way of your relationship with the Father. You can come boldly to the throne of grace, and obtain mercy and help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16.
Now comes the BEST part! Once you repent, you will experience peace and joy and times of refreshing. Look what Acts, Chapter 19 says, “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”
Focus on His goodness, His lovingkindess, His mercy, His grace, and there will be no room for sin in your life! You will begin to treasure your relationship with the Father, and you will do everything in your power to protect and value Him.
This good news reminds me of a song, I am Free by the Newsboys. The song goes like this…
I am free to run. I am free to dance. I am free to live for You. I am free!
Is He worthy Church? HE IS!
About Pastor Kate Hannett
Kate Hannett is a Pastor of Abundant Grace Christian Church. She leads the women’s ministry and is very active in the children’s ministry. She has a heart for people to grow in the grace and truth of Jesus Christ and in his Kingdom.