Can My Imperfect Efforts Truly Be Good

Can our efforts, despite their imperfection, be considered truly good in God’s eyes? Goodness is rooted in God’s character and actions, and our own goodness is measured by how closely we align with His will and purposes.

God’s Goodness is the Standard

God is goodness’s foundation. The creation narrative repeatedly affirms that everything God made was good (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25), ending in the declaration that all creation was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). God’s enduring love (1 Chronicles 16:34; 2 Chronicles 7:3), provision (Acts 14:17), and guidance (Nehemiah 9:13, 20) demonstrate His goodness. His commands and will are holy, right, and good (Romans 7:12; Romans 12:2), and everything He creates is good (1 Timothy 4:4).

Goodness in God’s Dealings with Humanity

God revealed His goodness to Israel, providing for their needs and fulfilling His promises (Exodus 18:9; Deuteronomy 1:25; Joshua 21:45; 2 Samuel 7:27). When our intentions are good but our actions are imperfect, God recognizes and values those intentions (1 Kings 8:18-19). However, His goodness is conditional on our faithfulness to Him. If we turn away from Him, we lose His favor (Joshua 24:20).

Human Goodness Is Briefly Defined as Pleasing God

Goodness is defined by what pleases God (2 Chronicles 31:20). He is the ultimate judge of what is good and right, and obeying His commands leads to blessing (Deuteronomy 6:18; Deuteronomy 12:28). Goodness encompasses our actions, motives, and integrity (1 Chronicles 29:17). God rewards our loyalty and good deeds (1 Samuel 26:23) and recognizes and values even partial obedience (2 Chronicles 19:2-3).

God Values Imperfect Human Goodness

Scripture acknowledges human imperfection: “No one does good, not a single one” (Psalm 14:3; Romans 3:12). Doing good is associated with wisdom, seeking God, turning from evil, and pursuing peace (Psalm 14:2; Psalm 34:14). Honesty, generosity, mercy, and justice all reflect goodness (Proverbs 11:3; Psalm 112:9; Isaiah 1:17). Practical expressions of goodness include sharing with the needy (Hebrews 13:16), defending oppressed people (Isaiah 1:17), and loving our neighbor (James 2:8).

The Role of Faith and Grace

God does not save or accept us because of our good deeds (Romans 4:2; Ephesians 2:9). Salvation is a gift of grace, not a reward for good works. However, God empowers us who believe to do good (Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1:6), and our lives should reflect spiritual transformation through kind and generous acts of service (Galatians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:18).

Goodness in Action

Goodness in action includes sparing an enemy (1 Samuel 24:17), protecting others (1 Samuel 25:15-16), and faithfully serving God and others (Micah 6:8; Matthew 25:23). Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of goodness, healing, teaching, and sacrificing for others (Mark 10:18; John 10:11; Acts 10:38). We are called to imitate Christ by doing good, even to those who hate us (Luke 6:27, 35).

The Benefits of Goodness

Goodness leads to life, health, and joy (Isaiah 38:16; Jeremiah 32:41). God rewards those who persist in doing good (Romans 2:7, 10; Ephesians 6:8). Ultimately, doing good shows that we are part of God’s family (3 John 1:11), and we are encouraged never to tire of doing good (2 Thessalonians 3:13).

Conclusion

While our efforts to serve God are always imperfect, they can still be good when faith and love motivate them, and they reflect God’s will and character. A simple definition of doing good is doing what pleases God. He graciously accepts and blesses even our partial obedience when offered with integrity and humility. See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.

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God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 7,010 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 17,361 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting.

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