Truths That Transform:The Love and Goodness of God
What an honor and delight it is to write about the love and goodness of our God! I believe it is the most vital foundational revelation that a believer can receive to grow and become all that God created him or her to be. We know this is our heavenly Father’s heart, because everything in His kingdom operates by love—faith, safety, security, and freedom from fear, guilt, shame, judgment, and condemnation. All of that comes out of knowing (through revelation and experience) the unconditional, unending, and unfailing love of God.
How many of you grew up in a home/environment where you really knew this kind of love that Paul describes in detail in 1 Corinthians 13:1–13? If you haven’t read this chapter lately, I encourage you to take time to read it again using The Passion Translation. Outside of God, who is love, this kind of love does not exist here on earth.
I certainly didn’t grow up with this kind of love. My parents divorced when I was seven; and though my mother was born again when she was seven, she was never taught the Word of God nor did she renew her mind in the Word as an adult. Because of this, she lived life out of the flesh, not knowing God’s love for her or her true identity and worth in Christ. She endeavored to get through the flesh (see Galatians 5:19–20) what she already possessed in her born-again spirit. That mindset robs us from walking in the inheritance we possess in the kingdom realm of God through our new birth. Galatians 6:8 tells us that when we sow to the flesh, we reap corruption; but sowing to the Spirit causes us to reap eternal life. Sadly, my mother just repeated the cycle of dysfunction that she came out of. I heard this one time and it is so true: you can’t do better until you know better. In Romans 12:2*, Paul says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” This is a process (in our soul—our mind/will/emotions/imagination) that empowers us to live outwardly who we are inwardly!
Likewise, knowing the goodness of God is also fundamental—not only to our salvation but to our spiritual growth. Romans 2:4 says, “…knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance.” James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” In other words, He never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
My dear sisters, this revelation has radically transformed my life and laid a solid foundation on which to grow in my relationship and oneness with Jesus. It has enabled me to fulfill the calling on my life. Through God’s truth, I have broken the cycle of my past and you can too! That is why my heart is so passionate about mentoring/discipleship.
In closing, my prayer for each of you is expressed so well by Paul in Ephesians 3:14–19. Please read it and meditate on it. God loves you unconditionally, His plan for you is always good, and He accepts you in the beloved Son. Your future is bright and you will experience the fullness of God in your life as you press into Him and His truth!
*All Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.