The Goodness of God: A Catholic Perspective

Understanding the Goodness of God

From a Catholic perspective, the concept of the 'goodness of God' is fundamental to our faith. God’s goodness is not merely an attribute but is the essence of His being, which assures us of His love, mercy, and grace. However, one may search regarding the topic of the Goodness of God because they have seen the horrible reality that is going on in this world and thus they say, 'how can God be good when there's so much evil in this world?'.

God in His goodness, and the Goodness of God is not the cause of evil in this world. It is the human will that's causing the evil of this world. Man is given the gift of free will. He is given the capacity to decide what to do. Thus, from the Catholic point of view, when God created man He told them "you can eat from any tree except from the tree of good and evil."

This clearly was a command - DO NOT EAT FROM THE TREE OF GOOD AND EVIL. God commanded them because Adam and Eve has the capacity to decide for themselves and at the same time, they have the capacity to obey or not obey. Thus the concept of free will.

So, God in His goodness granted free will to man because He did not want someone who just follows Him blindly. Because if that will be the case, then it is NOT love.

Thus, by this, now you know, that the Goodness of God translates to love and God is love.

But, please note that I am merely blogging about this topic, about the Goodness of God, and reading this, for obvious reasons, you will have realized that I am no expert regarding this topic.

But, nevertheless, I just want to write about the Goodness of God, regardless if I am inadept to write regarding this topic.

Saints and Their Wisdom

The saints of the Catholic Church have often expressed profound insights into the goodness of God. St. Thomas Aquinas noted, “The goodness of God is the comprehensive perfection of all things.” This assertion highlights that God’s goodness permeates every aspect of existence. In recognizing that all creation reflects God’s goodness, we come to understand that our purpose aligns with embracing and sharing this goodness in our interactions with others.

Moreover, St. Augustine famously stated, “God is always trying to give good things to us, but our hands are too full to receive them.” This resonates deeply, reminding us to attune our hearts and minds to be open to God's gifts. In a world often riddled with challenges, such teachings invite us to remain steadfast in our trust of God’s goodness, reinforcing our confidence in His loving plan.

The Goodness of God in Our Lives

The goodness of God can also be reflected in our daily experiences, as we encounter kindness, compassion, and love from those around us. The teachings of the Catholic Church encourage us to mirror this goodness by embodying virtues such as charity and humility. As St. Teresa of Avila wisely remarked, “Prayer is an act of love.” Through prayer, we not only connect with God but also invite His goodness into our lives and those of others.

Furthermore, understanding the goodness of God serves as a foundation for cultivating hope. In the face of adversity, we are reminded that God’s plans are rooted in goodness, urging us to trust that He is working for our benefit, even if we might not understand the journey at every moment. St. Francis de Sales wisely said, “Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.” This embrace of our true nature reflects an acceptance of God’s plans and goodness in our lives.

Goodness of God: Do I see it?

Now, one may ask "How do I see or experience the goodness of God in my every day life?".

Conclusion

In conclusion, acknowledging the goodness of God from a Catholic point of view influences how we perceive our relationship with the divine and our interactions with others. Through the words of saints and the teachings of the Church, we learn that God’s goodness is profoundly present, nurturing our spiritual growth and leading us toward eternal joy. Let us always remember to seek out and celebrate the goodness of God in our lives, as it is a testament to His unwavering love for humanity.