Focusing on God's Goodness

I wanted to share a couple of thoughts today from my study in the Book of James.

James 1:16-17 says, Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV)

God gives only perfect gifts
Faith is rooted in the trustworthiness of God's character. If Satan can convince you that God is withholding something from you or that He does not really love you, the Devil has won a major victory. Once you doubt God's goodness you can more easily fall prey to other temptations. If you have a proper focus on God's character though, this will give you strength and confidence when facing trials or temptations.

God is supremely good. He gives perfect gifts to His people. The word "perfect" means complete or whole. The whole of God's gift is for our good, not just a part of it. The only kind of gift God can give is a completely good one. "Even when we do not see the goodness in it immediately, it is still good if it came from God" (Warren Wiersbe).

God gives in a good way
Not only is every gift perfect, but every gift is good or as some translate it, "Every act of giving is good." Some people give good gifts, but in a poor manner. They begrudge giving. They may make you feel guilty for accepting the gift. Not so with God. As james 1:5 states God gives wisdom generously and without reproach. Every gift that God gives is given freely and in a good way.