Seeing the goodness of the Lord is the closest unregenerate mankind gets to seeing God’s face on this earth. In His goodness, God places the ones He favors in the Cleft of the Rock, Jesus Christ, so that we do not perish when His glory passes by us. (Read Exodus 33:17-23). In His goodness, we gain wisdom about His sovereignty and His way with mankind. The goodness of the Lord is only a view of His back. If mankind were to view His front side, we would see justice. Those of faith are privileged to see His countenance as we gaze upon the crucified Christ, albeit, only “darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

The fruit of goodness is cultivated in the Christian’s heart that he/she may do good, be compassionate and gracious, so that those around us may be drawn to worship God and abide in the Cleft of the Rock. His hand of goodness covers us, protectively, as we are nurtured to maturity in the Vine. When we bear the fruit of goodness, others are encouraged and protected as we grow together. Think about it.