 |
| Anderson Gardens, Rockford, Illinois |
To say this is to attribute the quality or property of "goodness" to God.
"Goodness" is an essential, not contingent, property of God. Contingent properties are attributes a thing has, but which are not essential to that thing. An essential attribute is a property that something has that is essential to that thing, and without which that thing would not be what it is.
For example, it is essential that a "cup" has the property of "holding liquid." A cup that does not hold liquid is not a cup. A "cup" cannot not hold liquid.
God cannot not be good. God IS good, in his essence. Because of this all that issues forth from God is good. Whatever God creates is good. God's words are good. God's commands are good, and for our well-being.
The belief in the essential goodness of God is rooted deep in Judeo-Christianity. Once recognized and experienced, it occasions the human response of thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is the natural and logical response to the experienced goodness of God.
We see this is a verse like 1 Chronicles 16:34 - Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
As you spend time praying today think of God's goodness. To you.
And give thanks.
