Introduction

Welcome, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, to this beautiful sanctuary where we gather in His holy name. It's a joy to see each of you here, ready to receive the word of God, ready to be nourished by His eternal truth. It's a blessing to be in fellowship with you, as we share in this divine banquet of spiritual sustenance.

In the words of Mother Teresa, "We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something." It's in this spirit that we gather today, to understand goodness and how we can affect others for the glory of God.

Grasping the Grandeur of Goodness

Goodness, as we understand it, is a profound attribute. It's not merely about doing good deeds or being kind to others, although these are important aspects. Goodness, in its truest form, is about embodying the very nature of God Himself. It's about reflecting His divine love and mercy in our everyday lives. It's about being a living testament to His grace and compassion.

Not a fleeting or temporary quality: It's not something that comes and goes with the changing seasons. It's a constant, unwavering characteristic of His divine nature. It's as enduring as the mountains, as vast as the oceans, as radiant as the sun. It's a goodness that transcends our human understanding, a goodness that is beyond our comprehension.

Not something that we can earn or achieve on our own: It's not a product of our own efforts or abilities. It's a gift, a divine endowment from God Himself. It's a fruit of the Spirit, a manifestation of His presence in our lives. It's a testament to His work within us, a reflection of His transformative power.

When we grasp the grandeur of this goodness: We begin to understand the depth of God's love for us. We begin to see the extent of His mercy, the breadth of His compassion. We begin to realize that His goodness is not just about what He does, but who He is. It's not just about His actions, but His character. It's not just about His deeds, but His nature.

This has profound implications for our lives: It shapes our perspective, influences our decisions, and guides our actions. It impacts how we relate to others, how we respond to challenges, and how we navigate through life. It's a compass that directs us, a light that illuminates our path, a beacon that guides us home.

God's goodness is a model for us to emulate: It's a standard for us to strive for, a benchmark for us to reach. It's a call to reflect His love and mercy in our own lives, to embody His grace and compassion in our own actions. It's a challenge to be more like Him, to live as He lived, to love as He loved.

God's goodness is a source of hope and comfort: It's a reassurance in times of doubt, a refuge in times of trouble, a sanctuary in times of turmoil. It's a promise that He is with us, that He cares for us, that He will never abandon us. It's a reminder that no matter what we face, His goodness is always present, always available, always sufficient.

God's goodness is a catalyst for transformation: It's a force that changes us, that molds us, that shapes us into His likeness. It's a power that purifies our hearts, that renews our minds, that revitalizes our spirits. It's an agent that propels us towards growth, towards maturity, towards wholeness.

God's goodness is a mandate for action: It's a call to share His love with others, to extend His mercy to those in need, to demonstrate His grace in our interactions. It's a command to be His hands and feet in the world, to be His voice and presence in our communities. It's a mission to spread His goodness, to proclaim His truth, to advance His kingdom.

Gleaning from the Garden of Goodness

As we continue to engage with the text, we find ourselves in the midst of a verdant garden ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO