What Do You Mean by “Good”?

Our communication is filled with ambiguous sentences; sentences that are open to more than one interpretation or not having one obvious meaning. For instance, you might say, “Look at the dog with one eye.” Did you mean that the dog only has one eye or that the viewer should close one eye then look at the dog? Or how about, “I saw a girl with a telescope.” Did you see a girl carrying a telescope or did you look through your telescope and see a girl?

Words can also be ambiguous. Context often helps to clarify the meaning of the ambiguous word but without proper context, the statement could be confusing (or alarming). The word “bank” can mean a building or the edge or a river. So, if I said “I am going to take my pants off by the bank,” unless you knew I was planning to go swimming in the river, you might be ready to call the police and report me for public indecency.

“Good” is another example of an ambiguous word. It means different things to different people. A good meal to one person means it was healthy, whereas to someone else it simply meant they enjoyed the meal. A good day at work is another example; what does that mean?

There are a number of difference meanings of the word “good” found in the Bible. In Romans 8:28 we read – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Here we see the idea that God takes the whole of our lives and uses it all to help bring us into conformity with His Son Jesus Christ. In the creation story found in the first chapter of Genesis, whenever God created, the text follows with these words – “And God saw it was good.” He was creating everything with us in mind, so in this usage, good means that it was beneficial for mankind.

God not only creates good and works good, He also requires His followers to be good. While “good” has numerous meanings both in society and throughout the pages of scripture, it is very clear what God calls us to be. In Micah 6:6-7, the prophet is asking if God requires burnt offerings, animals, oil, or even the firstborn child as a way of making things right with God. In v.8, Micah gives a profound answer – “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” The Hebrew word used here for mercy is “hesed.”

[This Hebrew word “hesed, which while not easily definable in English, means loving-kindness. It can be between two people. It is also the never ending love that God shows toward His mankind (Lamentations 3:22-23). An amazing verse is found in Exodus 34. Not too long after God’s people sinned against Him (idolatry) by worshipping and sacrificing to a bronze calf, here is what we read in vv.6-7 – “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love (hesed) and faithfulness, keeping his steadfast love (hesed) for thousands…” When is the last time you showed that kind of love to anyone, especially to someone who just stomped on your toes?]

So, what does all that mean? We must defend the oppressed (do justice), stop the oppressors with kindness (instead of judgment), and live in a conscious fellowship with God, exercising a spirit of humility before Him.

Are you immersing yourself in justice and mercy for those who have been beaten up by the world? Do you walk in humility, always seeking to do good?