Good morning. The word “good” is not particularly impressive in our modern use of the term. We say good to indicate that something is okay, or functional (more or less), or slightly better than average. When you see the word we translate as “good” or “goodness” in scripture there is a different intention.
Good, and goodness, come from the Greek word ἀγαθοποιεῖτε – agathopoie
We read in Genesis 1 that as God created, each part of the process was marked stage by stage with the statement: “and God saw that it was good”. This doesn’t mean that God felt His creation was above average, or merely functional. It means that He looked upon His creation and saw that it was right, worthy, and without corruption.
Recognizing that the Biblical intention of the word “good” is far more meaningful than our present cultural usage, please consider with me today a few examples of the word “good” as it is used in scripture:
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
But love your enemies, and do good, when you lend, do not expect anything in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Luke 6:35
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10
Be good today. No, not a little better than average. Not functional “more or less”. But be good by the standard of the Lord our God. Be righteous and worthy, excellent in word and in action.
Vern