For Goodness Sake!

Have you ever heard a parent ask a child, “For goodness sake, can’t you behave?” Perhaps this has been directed toward you or you’ve said it yourself. Doing something for the sake of goodness is a good thing. Do we really need any better reason for doing something than for it to be good and right? Well, just how much goodness is in us? Hopefully there is a lot since we were created in the image of God ( Genesis 1:26-27) and what God creates is good. (i.e. Genesis 1:31) As Christians we are also being renewed in knowledge after the image of our Creator ( Colossians 3:10) and transformed to be more and more like the Lord. (note 2 Corinthians 3:18) That too is a very good thing. Nevertheless, it is not our own goodness that has made forgiveness and reconciliation with God possible.

Note a statement made by David.
“(7) Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love REMEMBER ME, FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR GOODNESS, O LORD! (8) GOOD AND UPRIGHT IS THE LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. (9) He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.” ( Psalm 25:7-9 ESV)

Sins! We’ve got them. We’d like to forget them. Praise God He has provided the means to adequately deal with our sins through Jesus Christ. ( 1 John 1:7) God’s willingness to forgive, according to David’s statement, is not based upon our own goodness to merit such a magnanimous gift. Rather it is for the sake of HIS GOODNESS according to His steadfast love that our sins and transgressions can be put behind us. David also stated that because GOD IS GOOD He provides us with the guidance and instruction we need to understand what is right and the way we are to go in life. May we constantly live in a manner that declares we truly appreciate this great blessing.

Have a great day BECAUSE OUR GOD IS GOOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Forgiveness