Meanings of “goodness” in dictionary: moral excellence, virtue, kindly feeling, kindness, generosity, goodness of workmanship. How do these synonyms relate to your understanding of God’s goodness?

Genesis 1:1- 31. How many times does the word “good” appear in this passage? Can you think of any reason why the description used in verse 31 is “very good? Why did God say that “it is not good for the man to be alone” in verse 2:18? How does it relate to the nature of God and His relationship with mankind? See also: http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2009/05/26/what-are-you-focusing-on-2/ .

Consider Jeremiah 16:21. How does knowing the name of God relate to God’s character? The Hebrew YHWH (YAHWEH or Jehovah) is translated as LORD (all capitals) in many English Bibles. It includes the following meanings: self-existent, creator, immutable in His being or character. (See Genesis 2:4; Exodus 34:5-6). Strictly speaking, this name (YHWH, YAHWEH or Jehovah) is the only proper name for God in the Hebrew Old Testament. Another Hebrew word, “Adonai,” is translated as “Lord” (upper and lower case letters); the title means master (Exodus 34:9; Nehemiah 4:14). There are also other Hebrew titles and descriptions of God such as El Shaddai and Elohim. Each reveals something of God’s person, character or position. The Septuagint translated “Yahweh” by Greek Kyrios, "Lord", which is quoted extensively in the Greek NT. Translating the term "the LORD' also shows link with the NT where Christ is called "Lord". In this way, Christ is identified with the OT God.

What are the particular perfections of God described here? Compare God’s generosity described in verse 7a and His severity in verse 7b? If you were a parent, how would you respond to your child when he knows and confesses his wrongdoing? And how would you react when he refuses to acknowledge guilt, and continues to rebel against you by not following your guidance or command?

How can you be truly happy? In verse 4, the psalmist describes “Your hand was heavy upon me”. Why? What is the purpose of God in doing this? How is God’s goodness shown in what He does?

Here are some scriptures for your reference: Romans 3:22-23; Romans 5:5-8; Romans 8:32-39; Ephesians 2:1-10; Ephesians 3:14-18

We are not saved by good works but we are saved for good works. What kind of Christian lifestyle should we have? (See Galatians 5:22)

Here is another scripture reference: Hebrew 12:5-6. You may also check out the following links: 1. http://thelife.com/experience/spiritual-growth/depending/ 2. http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalformen/2009/04/28/the-risk-of-obeying-god-2/ 3. http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/devotionalforwomen/2009/03/20/will-the-rope-hold-3/