S12P6 – The testing of faith: from whence the good gifts come

James 1:16-17
Do not be misled, my beloved brothers and sisters. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].

These verses complement the ones that came before them. The previous verses told us the root of temptation. These verses tell us the root of goodness. Only good things we receive come from the Father. Every perfect give we receive comes from him. This is a continuation of the proof that God does not bring temptation. And as though God’s goodness were not enough comfort for us, we are provided additional solace in certain attributes of his character.

God is constant. We do not need to guess whether goodness will flow from his throne at any given time or on any given day. We do not need to wonder which God will show up today for his mood and character do not blow to and fro like the wind or like our own emotions. He is the great stalwart on which we can ever rely. When his word says He is good, that is because He is always good. He is pure and perfect not only in his goodness but also in his faithfulness to remain good. That is why we need not question the source of the goodness that surrounds us.

Our Father is the wellspring of all that is good and right and holy. This is an objective truth, and it would be impossible for God to be otherwise. We cannot be misled on this matter. My father will not give me a stone when I am in need of bread [Matt. 7:8-11]. His gifts are only good and perfect. Father, thank you that You give only what is good and perfect, and teach us to see that goodness and perfection in all that You give.