In a world that constantly shifts the definition of who belongs and who doesn’t, it’s comforting—no, liberating—to rest in the truth that God’s love is exclusively inclusive. It’s not a contradiction; it’s a holy mystery. The goodness of God is not diluted by extending grace to all—it is revealed through it. And because God is good, you are good with God.
God is Good
That phrase gets tossed around often. “God is good—all the time!” But how deeply do we let that reality sink in? God is not just occasionally good, circumstantially good, or good only to the worthy. God’s goodness is not reactive; it’s inherent. It flows from who He is: Love that is patient, kind, and never fails (1 Corinthians 13).
This is not a love that waits for us to get it all together. It’s not reserved for a specific denomination, nation, gender, race, or status. God’s goodness pursues us—like the shepherd after the one lost sheep, the father running to meet his prodigal child, the Savior dying for us while we were still sinners.
God’s goodness is active inclusion. It welcomes the tax collector, the Samaritan woman, the thief on the cross. God’s love doesn’t just tolerate differences; it embraces them. His arms stretch wide enough for all but remain personal enough for each.
You are Good with God
We spend so much of our lives trying to prove we’re good enough—trying to earn approval, fix our failures, clean ourselves up. But here’s the truth: You are already good with God—not because of your perfection, but because of His presence.
Jesus didn’t say, “Come to me, all who are flawless.” He said, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened” (Matthew 11:28). If that’s you—carrying shame, doubt, confusion, questions—know this: You are not disqualified. You are not forgotten. You are seen, known, and loved.
You are good with God because His love doesn’t discriminate—it dignifies.
Exclusively Inclusive Love
God’s love is exclusive in that it only comes from Him—pure, divine, and not of this world. But it is radically inclusive in its reach. That’s the gospel. That’s grace. And that’s what transforms lives.
It doesn’t mean anything goes. God’s love doesn’t leave us where we are—but it always starts with acceptance. Grace is the open door. Truth is the transformation that happens inside. But the welcome mat is never rolled up. The table is never too full. God’s love is the invitation, and we are all invited.
Final Thoughts
So let this be your assurance:
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God is good.
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You are good with God.
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And everyone else has a seat at the table, too.
We reflect the heart of God not by building walls, but by extending arms. Not by guarding the gate, but by opening it wider. Because we were never meant to be bouncers at the door of grace—we were always meant to be ushers to the goodness of God.
Patrick Carden
