The Attributes of God – The Good
The lecture speaks about the attribute of God’s goodness: that it is the essence of His nature which appears as a mixture of love, meekness, and mercy. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains how God’s goodness manifested in creation — from preparing everything the human and animal need to granting gifts and strength to every creature — and how this goodness is not given only to the righteous but includes sinners, nations, and even atheists.
The spiritual and doctrinal dimension
- Goodness as a divine quality: Goodness is not a passing act but part of God’s nature, manifested in creating man in His image and granting him mind, beauty, authority, and care.
- Goodness and forgiveness: God does not aim to punish the helpless but pities and forgives those who repent; Christ is the example of this mercy when He accepts sinners and forgives them.
- Goodness and divine schooling: Even when God allows trials (like Job’s testing or giving the devil a chance) it is from His mercy and wisdom and not a law for permanent evil; each one is given his opportunity.
- Goodness and generosity: God gives without limits — materially, spiritually, and in gifts — and prepares for every creature what it needs, despite some abusing these blessings.
Practical and pastoral applications
- A call to respond to God’s goodness with repentance and return, not by meeting it with harshness or vengeance.
- Encouraging believers to imitate God’s mercy by having meekness, forgiveness, and patience toward offenders/sinners.
- Treating talents and gifts as a trust to be used for spiritual building, not for corruption.
Brief conclusion
The lecture concludes by affirming that God is “very good” to an extent the human mind cannot fully grasp: He grants salvation, intercedes, pities, and makes man a partner and focus in His will, calling him not a slave but a beloved, a friend, and a brother. Divine goodness is an ongoing invitation for us to live in love and forgiveness and to receive God’s grace without limits.
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