The act of extolling God's goodness is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the believer's response to the divine attributes and actions of God. To extol is to praise enthusiastically, and in the context of Scripture, it involves recognizing and proclaiming the inherent goodness of God in His nature, works, and promises.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible is replete with exhortations to praise and extol God's goodness. In Psalm 145:3-7 , David declares, "Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable. One generation will commend Your works to the next, and they shall proclaim Your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and I will meditate on Your wondrous works. They will proclaim the power of Your awesome deeds, and I will declare Your greatness. They will extol the fame of Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness."

This passage highlights the communal and generational aspect of extolling God's goodness, emphasizing that it is a shared duty among believers to declare His mighty acts and abundant goodness.

Attributes of God's Goodness

God's goodness is an intrinsic part of His character. In Exodus 34:6 , God reveals Himself to Moses, saying, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This self-revelation underscores the goodness of God as expressed through His compassion, grace, patience, and steadfast love.

The goodness of God is also evident in His creation. Genesis 1 repeatedly affirms the goodness of God's creative work, culminating in Genesis 1:31 , "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." This declaration affirms that everything God creates is inherently good, reflecting His own nature.

God's Goodness in Redemption

The ultimate demonstration of God's goodness is found in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. In Romans 5:8 , Paul writes, "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The sacrificial death of Christ is the pinnacle of God's goodness, offering salvation and reconciliation to humanity.

Furthermore, Ephesians 2:4-5 states, "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved." This passage highlights the richness of God's mercy and grace, key aspects of His goodness extended to believers.

Response to God's Goodness

The appropriate response to God's goodness is a life of worship, gratitude, and obedience. Psalm 100:4-5 encourages believers to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name. For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations."

Believers are called to reflect God's goodness in their own lives, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23 , where the fruit of the Spirit includes goodness. This reflects the transformative power of God's goodness in the life of a believer, enabling them to exhibit His character in their interactions with others.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently calls believers to extol God's goodness, recognizing it as a fundamental aspect of His nature and a source of hope and joy. Through worship, proclamation, and a life that mirrors His goodness, believers fulfill their calling to honor the God who is eternally good.